In a startling turn of events at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance, collapsed in court on Thursday, reportedly due to ill health. The incident occurred shortly after Justice Emeka Nwite called for the continuation of the trial.
As the case was summoned by the court registrar, Gambaryan, the second defendant, failed to step forward to the dock, remaining seated in the back row. Upon inquiry by Justice Nwite about his whereabouts, one of the defense lawyers assisted Gambaryan to the dock. However, as they made their way, Gambaryan collapsed, prompting the lawyer to help him sit in a front-row seat.
Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed the court that his client had been unwell and that a written application had been submitted to notify the court of his health condition. Consequently, Mordi indicated that the case could not proceed on that day.
Throughout the proceedings, Gambaryan appeared visibly unwell, leaning on the arm of the seat where he was seated.
This development follows Justice Nwite’s dismissal of Gambaryan’s bail application on May 16, citing concerns that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had raised about the likelihood of the defendant fleeing if granted bail. Furthermore, Gambaryan’s absence in court on Wednesday led to the postponement of the tax evasion charge proceedings filed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) against Binance Holdings Limited and Gambaryan.
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