By Milcah Tanimu
A Binance executive, Gambaryan, has initiated legal action against the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Represented by his lawyer, Olujoke Aliyu from Aluko and Oyebode Law Firm, Gambaryan filed the originating motion on March 18 before Justice Inyang Ekwo, seeking five reliefs.
Similarly, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager who escaped from custody on March 22, filed a separate lawsuit before Justice Ekwo. Both suits, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24 respectively, name the Office of NSA (ONSA) and EFCC as respondents.
Gambaryan and Anjarwalla seek identical reliefs, including a declaration that their detention and seizure of passports violated Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution, constituting a breach of their fundamental rights to personal liberty. They also demand immediate release and return of their passports, as well as an injunction against further detention related to Binance investigations.
Gambaryan, in his application, also requests a public apology and full indemnity for the costs incurred. He asserts his American citizenship and states that his visit to Nigeria, alongside Anjarwalla, was in response to invitations from ONSA and EFCC to discuss Binance-related matters.
During proceedings, Anjarwalla and Gambaryan were represented by T.J. Krukrubo, SAN, who informed the court that the respondents were served but not represented. Krukrubo also disclosed the withdrawal of legal representation for Anjarwalla, filed on March 26, possibly due to his disappearance from custody.
Justice Ekwo acknowledged the withdrawal of legal representation, emphasizing the need for the applicant to seek new representation and granting an adjournment until April 8. Additionally, Krukrubo requested an adjournment for Gambaryan’s case, citing the respondents’ pending response, leading to a similar adjournment until April 8.
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