A Nigerian high court heard arguments for and against the release of an imprisoned Binance employee days after CEO Richard Teng encouraged U.S. intervention.

The trial of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan resumed in Abuja on Sept. 2 as Nigerian prosecutors contested his bail request and downplayed his health conditions.

Individuals present at the hearing told crypto.news that Gambaryan appeared “in visible pain and very distressed.” The Binance staff member, who was previously allowed a wheelchair, was reportedly denied the mobility aid this time and forced to enter court on crutches.

Gambaryan’s lawyers filed a bail motion, asking the judge to permit his release for medical care. His legal representatives and wife, Yuki Gambaryan, have stressed the deplorable living conditions in Kuje prison, where he has been held for months.

Nigerian prosecutors dismissed the claims and accused Gambaryan of rejecting treatment. The court was adjourned until Sept. 2, with the bail hearing expected to continue.

Binance CEO beckons U.S. influence in Nigerian case

Nigerian authorities have held Gambaryan for over six months since he entered the African country in February. Two Binance staffers, Gambaryan, who is a former IRS agent, and Nadeem Anjarwalla, were arrested on money laundering and tax evasion allegations.

Anjarwalla escaped detention, leading to stricter measures imposed on Gambaryan, who now battles bouts of Pneumonia, Malaria, and Tonsillitis while needing surgery. 

Binance CEO Richard Teng has implored U.S. authorities to establish diplomatic relations with Nigeria’s government to secure Gambaryan’s release. Teng stressed that Gambaryan has no decision-making powers at the crypto giant and should not suffer accusations heaped on the firm.

Pro-crypto policymaker Representative French Hill also called on the White House to intervene in Gambaryan’s case. After visiting the jailed executive alongside fellow legislator Chrissy Houlahan in June, Rep. Hill described the situation as a Nigerian political dispute and advocated for his freedom.

Meanwhile, Gambaryan’s wife has expressed fears about the long-term impact of his imprisonment. According to a statement shared with crypto.news on Sept. 2, Gambaryan can barely walk and was denied legal counsel, while Nigerian prosecutors said his condition was far from critical.

I am also deeply concerned about recent statements from Nigerian authorities denying Tigran’s health issues. The truth is that the prison has withheld his medical records for months, and  even the partial records they finally released today say that Tigran needs surgery. They cannot keep playing games with my husband’s life like this. This entire situation is inhumane and degrading, and I am fed up. There must be consequences for this disregard of law and human rights.

Yuki Gambaryan on her husbands state in Kuje Prison