A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a fresh bail application filed by Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Limited, citing abuse of court process. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled against the application on the grounds that Gambaryan was still appealing an earlier bail ruling at the Court of Appeal. The judge emphasized that Gambaryan had not withdrawn his pending appeal before filing a new motion, thus constituting an abuse of court process.
“There is no gainsaying on this leg alone that this application is bound to fail,” Justice Nwite stated. He further noted that Gambaryan had not demonstrated that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) was unable to provide adequate medical care for his health issues. Consequently, the judge ordered the NCoS to refer Gambaryan to a standard hospital in Abuja for two to three days and adjourned the trial to October 18, November 22, and November 25.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, vehemently opposed the bail application. He argued that the NCoS was providing the best possible medical treatment for Gambaryan and alleged that Gambaryan had previously rejected medical intervention from the State House Clinic in Abuja. Iheanacho referenced a medical report from the clinic indicating that while Gambaryan’s health was not as severe as portrayed, he was dissatisfied with the treatment offered.
The court was also informed that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had requested Gambaryan’s medical records from the NCoS, which confirmed that he had been receiving adequate care and had been taken to several hospitals, including the State House Clinic.
Gambaryan’s counsel, Mark Mordi, had requested bail on liberal terms or a six-week bail on health grounds. Mordi argued that despite the EFCC’s claims, medical reports showed Gambaryan required significant medical attention that could not be adequately provided in Nigeria.
The court’s decision underscores the judicial stance on maintaining procedural integrity and ensuring that legal processes are not circumvented.
