Kuje Prison Doctor Faces Bench Warrant Amid Binance Exec’s Health Crisis

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Dr. Abraham Ehizojie, a medical doctor at the Kuje Correctional Centre. This warrant is a result of Dr. Ehizojie’s failure to produce a medical report for Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive.

Bench Warrant

The court had previously mandated the Nigerian Correctional Service to present Gambaryan’s medical report. However, during the recent court session, Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, revealed that this order was not complied with. Moreover, he failed to appear in court.

Counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ekene Iheanacho, expressed surprise at the doctor’s absence.

Mordi requested that the court issue a bench warrant for Dr. Ehizojie and remand Gambaryan to a hospital for immediate medical attention, citing severe back pain and his client’s deteriorating health condition.

“My client came in here in a wheelchair. He has been complaining of back pain. We need to be careful of the life in our hands,” Mordi emphasized.

Justice Nwite condemned the disregard for court orders and issued the bench warrant for Dr. Ehizojie. He also directed that Gambaryan be taken to Nizamiye Hospital for a 24-hour medical checkup under full security. The case was adjourned to October 11 for further proceedings.

Gambaryan’s Family Advocates for Release

Gambaryan faces charges alongside Binance for money laundering and foreign exchange violations. His family and legal team continue to push for his immediate medical treatment and release. Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, expressed her deep concern in a heartfelt statement.

The Nigerian government has accused Binance and its executives, including Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, of conspiring to conceal the origins of $35.4 million in financial proceeds from alleged unlawful activities in Nigeria. The exchange is also facing a separate suit from the Federal Inland Revenue Service for tax evasion.

Binance Founder’s Prison Time

In December last year, Changpeng Zhao, the founder and CEO of Binance, pleaded guilty for failing to prevent money laundering on his exchange. This was part of a settlement agreement with the U.S. government, which included a fine of over $4 billion for Binance and related parties. Zhao is currently serving a four-month prison sentence.