Nigerian court denies bail for Binance exec despite health concerns

A Nigerian court rejected a bail application for Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan that cited health concerns, instructing the prison to refer him to a hospital for treatment.

Judge Emeka Nwite of Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Abuja denied Gambaryan’s bail application on Oct. 11, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Judge Nwite reportedly ruled that the Binance executive should remain in prison despite his worsening health, as such a condition “does not entitle them to leave custody.”

The judge reportedly declared that Gambaryan would be allowed to leave only if the “continuous stay of the detainee possesses a harm to others and quarantine isn’t available.”

Gambaryan’s family “not surprised” by the decision

Since his arrest in Nigeria in February, Gambaryan has remained in detention at Kuje prison in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, despite maintaining his innocence and making multiple claims about his worsening health condition.

In August, Gambaryan’s family said that he was unable to walk due to an untreated herniated disc or spinal injury. Still, the court has repeatedly ordered Gambaryan to stay in prison until the case is settled.

“I am not surprised by this decision,” Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, reportedly said. She added that it’s “completely unjust to deny someone in Tigran’s condition the opportunity to seek appropriate medical help.”

This is a developing story, and further information will be added as it becomes available.