Binance Executives Sue Nigerian Government Over Human Rights Violations

According to local media reports on Friday, two executives from Binance, who have been detained by the Nigerian government since February, have filed lawsuits against the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission for alleged violations of their basic human rights.

Tigran Gambaryan, head of financial crime compliance at Binance, and Nadeem Anjarwalla, regional manager for Africa, filed separate complaints with the Federal High Court in Abuja. They are seeking the court to compel the agencies to release them, return their passports, and issue a public apology, Leadership reported, citing the government-owned News Agency of Nigeria.

The two Binance executives, along with the company, were charged earlier this month with four counts of tax evasion by Nigerian authorities. They were detained upon arrival in the country after being invited for discussions with officials regarding company matters.

Anjarwalla reportedly managed to escape last week after being taken to a mosque for prayers. Central bank governor Olayemi Cardoso accused the company of facilitating the untraceable movement of billions of dollars' worth of naira, contributing to instability in the currency's exchange rate.

During a hearing on Thursday, the agencies did not present any representation, as reported by Punch. The case has been adjourned until April 8.

The lawsuits are identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24.