Drama ensued at a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday as Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive of Binance, collapsed in court due to alleged ill health. The incident occurred shortly after Justice Emeka Nwite called the matter for trial continuation.
As the court registrar called the case, Gambaryan, seated in the back row, failed to step forward to the dock. Concerned, Justice Nwite inquired about his whereabouts, prompting a lawyer from the defense team to assist him to the dock. However, Gambaryan collapsed on the way, and the lawyer helped him to a nearby seat.
Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed the court of his client’s health issues, citing a written application letter previously submitted. He indicated that the trial might not proceed on that day due to his client’s condition.
Throughout the proceedings, Gambaryan appeared visibly unwell, resting on the arm of his seat. This development comes after Justice Nwite dismissed Gambaryan’s bail application earlier in the week, citing concerns that he might flee if granted bail.
Moreover, the trial related to alleged tax evasion by Binance Holdings Limited and Gambaryan, filed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), could not proceed on Wednesday due to Gambaryan’s absence in court.
