Tigran Gambaryan, a top Binance executive, has reiterated his accusations that Nigerian government officials and lawmakers demanded bribes from him, despite the federal government’s denial.
The Binance head of financial crime compliance was detained in Nigeria from February to October 2024 as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering and economic destabilization linked to Binance’s operations in the country.
Bribery Allegations Against Lawmakers and NSA
Gambaryan alleges that three lawmakers—Philip Agbese, Ginger Onwusibe, and Peter Akpanke—demanded a $150 million bribe to prevent his arrest and prosecution. He also accused National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu of requesting substantial payments from Binance for his political ambitions.
Despite outright denials from the Nigerian government, Gambaryan insists that officials sought bribes and attempted to use him as leverage in negotiations with the U.S. government.
Nigerian Government Denies Allegations
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the allegations as “outrageous” and “defamatory”, arguing that Gambaryan was trying to tarnish the reputation of Nigerian officials.
Idris also revealed that Binance had allegedly offered a $5 million bribe to secure Gambaryan’s release—an offer the government rejected in favor of a more beneficial settlement with the U.S. government.
Gambaryan Fires Back: “I Was Used as Leverage”
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gambaryan accused the Nigerian government of detaining him under false pretenses and manipulating his arrest for their gain.
“I was invited by the Nigerian FIU to a meeting in January. Last time I checked, they are part of the Nigerian government. House members also invited us to the meeting. Last time I checked, the legislative branch is also part of the Nigerian government,” he tweeted.
He further claimed that he was held in a “safe house” for a month while Nigerian officials allegedly panicked and fabricated charges against him.
“I Want to Put This Nightmare Behind Me”
In an emotional reflection, Gambaryan expressed his desire to move on, saying his wrongful detention caused immense pain to his family.
“I don’t want to see my kids cry because I’m not around. I don’t want to see my 75-year-old mother on television in tears. I don’t want to see my wife crying on TV. I want to put this nightmare behind me and move on,” he said.
What’s Next?
Despite Gambaryan’s call for closure, the controversy surrounding his arrest and bribery allegations is far from over. The responsibility now lies with Nigerian and U.S. law enforcement to determine the truth and bring transparency to the case.