By Ayo Ayodele
The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a strong statement refuting the recent allegations and defamatory remarks made by Tigran Gambaryan, an American personnel of Binance, who was recently tried in Nigeria for financial crimes. The government expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and falsehoods being circulated by Gambaryan, urging the public to disregard his claims.
In a statement, the Nigerian government clarified that Gambaryan’s first visit to Nigeria was made at his own discretion and was not officially coordinated with the Nigerian government. The statement noted that it was only when allegations of a bribery demand surfaced during this trip that the government took immediate action, launching an investigation despite the absence of any formal complaints.
The government further explained that Gambaryan’s second visit to Nigeria was related to a broader investigation into the manipulation of the Nigerian currency through peer-to-peer platforms like Binance. However, the investigation team faced significant challenges due to the actions of Gambaryan and his team, which hampered their efforts.
The Nigerian government confirmed that Gambaryan was released in October 2024 on humanitarian grounds following a high-level diplomatic intervention. Despite Binance’s offer of a $5 million down payment for his release, the government opted for a settlement with the American government, which resulted in more favorable outcomes for Nigeria.
The Federal Government categorically denied the retaliatory accusations made by Gambaryan against Nigerian officials involved in his case, describing them as unfounded and without merit. The statement urged the public to disregard Gambaryan’s claims, emphasizing that the allegations were not only unsubstantiated but also appeared to be motivated by a desire to discredit those who ensured he faced justice.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, concluded by assuring the public that both the Nigerian and American judicial systems would offer Gambaryan a fair opportunity to present his case in court. In the meantime, he advised caution, urging Nigerians not to be swayed by Gambaryan’s “malicious and baseless” accusations.
The government remains confident that the truth will prevail as the legal processes unfold.