The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed the allegations made by Tigran Gambaryan, a former Binance executive, describing them as “outrageous,” “misinformation,” and “defamatory statements” against Nigerian officials.
In a press statement issued on Friday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government clarified that Gambaryan, an American, was lawfully tried in Nigeria for financial crimes.
“While the Federal Government of Nigeria is reluctant to engage Mr. Gambaryan, due to the high-level diplomatic intervention that resolved his case, we are compelled to set the record straight to prevent his falsehoods from gaining traction,” the statement read.
The government explained that the Binance executive’s first visit to Nigeria was a private trip, and it was not officially involved. However, an investigation was launched when reports surfaced about an alleged bribery demand. The statement noted that no formal complaint was filed regarding the claim.
His second visit was linked to a broader investigation into the manipulation of the Nigerian currency through peer-to-peer platforms such as Binance. Authorities, however, accused him and his team of employing tactics that obstructed the investigation.
The government further stated that Gambaryan was released in October 2024 “on humanitarian grounds and following a high-level diplomatic intervention that ended with tangible benefits for Nigeria.”
The statement also revealed that the Nigerian government turned down Binance’s offer of a $5 million settlement in exchange for his freedom.
“We categorically deny the retaliatory claims made by Mr. Gambaryan against Nigerian officials involved in his case, and we urge the public to disregard these false accusations in their entirety,” Idris stated.
According to the government, the Binance executive’s allegations lack credibility and appear to be an attempt to “discredit and intimidate those who ensured he faced justice.”
However, the government assured that both Nigerian and American judicial systems would provide Gambaryan with a fair opportunity to substantiate his claims.
“Until then, we advise the public to exercise caution and not be swayed by Mr. Gambaryan’s unfounded and malicious claims,” the statement concluded.
Recall that Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Limited, accused three federal lawmakers of demanding $150 million bribe during the conflict between Nigeria and the cryptocurrency firm.
Gambaryan alleged that the legislators demanded that the kickback be paid into their personal digital wallets.
While in detention, Gambaryan had accused some lawmakers of demanding bribe from him to stave off his arrest and prosecution.
In a statement on X on Friday, Gambaryan named the lawmakers as the Deputy Spokesperson for the House of Assembly, Philip Agbese; the Head of the House of Representatives Committee on anti-corruption, Ginger Obinna Onwusibe; and the member representing the Obanliku/Obudu /Bekwara, Peter Akpanke.
The Binance executive said the meeting was a prerequisite to the planned meeting with members of the house of representatives.
“At the House meeting, there were three members present. They set up fake cameras and media to make the meeting appear official, but the cameras weren’t even plugged in,”
“As you may already know, this ended with them asking for a $150 million bribe, paid in cryptocurrency into their personal wallets. A Mickey Mouse operation at its best.” he alleged.
