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Binance executive Gambaryan departs Nigeria after eight months in detention

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Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, has departed Nigeria after eight months of detention.

The world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange made this disclosure in a statement shared with The PUNCH on Thursday.

“Today, American citizen Tigran Gambaryan left Nigeria to return home to his family after eight months of unlawful detention. Gambaryan was allowed to leave Kuje prison last night. His health has suffered significantly while in prison. He will now be able to finally receive the medical attention he desperately requires,” the exchange said.

This development follows a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, which dismissed the money laundering charges brought against Gambaryan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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During the court session, the EFCC explained that the case could not proceed at the last adjourned date due to Gambaryan’s declining health.

A review by the Nigerian Correctional Service, supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser, indicated that Gambaryan’s condition had worsened to the extent that he could hardly walk without the aid of a wheelchair.

Reacting to this development, Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, expressed her relief at his release, stating, “It is a huge relief that this day has finally come. The past eight months have been a living nightmare. I wish it hadn’t taken this long for his release or that his health had not declined so much, but we can now focus on healing as a family.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the U.S. government for their efforts in securing his release. I also want to thank everyone who helped us throughout this ordeal. There were moments I feared this day would never come, but Tigran’s supporters gave me hope and strength.

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“The road ahead for Tigran’s recovery is going to be difficult, and I appreciate being given the time and space to focus on that. Our children cannot wait to see their dad again,” she stated.

In February, Nigerian authorities detained Gambaryan and his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla, a 37-year-old British-Kenyan who serves as the regional manager for Africa at Binance.

Both were charged with money laundering involving $35 million, as initiated by the anti-graft agency. While Anjarwalla managed to escape custody on March 22, 2024, Gambaryan was arraigned in court on April 8.

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Work for Peace and Unity of Nigeria’, Obi tasks Ohaneaze president, Mbata

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The leader of the opposition Labour Party and the 2023 Presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi, has admonished the newly elected leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Senator John Azuta Mbata to work towards peace and unity of the nation.

Writing on his X handle in a congratulatory message to the Executive, Obi urged the new Executive to leverage their position, which shows the people’s confidence in them to strengthen the Igbo family and unite the country.

“On behalf of my family and the Obedient movement, I congratulate the Newly Elected President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata; the Deputy President General, Prince Okey Nwadinobi; the Secretary-General, Emeka Sibeudu, and other newly elected executive members, on their emergence as the leaders of the noble organization.

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“Their emergence as the leaders of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the umbrella body that unites the Igbo people, underscores the level of confidence and hope the people have in their leadership ability and their commitment to the development of the region and the nation in general.

“I pray that they will leverage their new offices to continue to work for the peace and unity of our nation and contribute immeasurably to ideas that will drive development, peace, and progress among the people.

“May God give you all, the wisdom and strength to serve the people.
A New Nigeria remains Possible.

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Minor cabinet reshuffle: Delta gov redeploys Information Commissioner to Ministry of Special Duties

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In a minor cabinet reshuffle, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has redeployed Information Commissioner to Ministry of Special Duties.

As part of the changes, Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, the Commissioner for Information, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Special Duties.

In the interim, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works, Rural and Riverine Roads, will oversee the Ministry of Information.

Also, a reliable source within the inner circle of the government has also verified the same development.

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There are mixed reactions among journalists regarding Governor Oborevwori’s directive for the Ministry of Information to be overseen by Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu.

This sentiment stems from lingering grievances over the fallout between journalists and the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Journalists have expressed dissatisfaction with Okowa’s refusal to acknowledge their efforts during his eight-year tenure with a ‘parting gift.’

It is worth recalling that Okowa was accused of denying journalists of same gesture of Chief James Onanefe Ibori, fully implemented by Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, extended to media professionals, both government house press crew and those outside the Government House.

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Emirate tussle: Fire will consume anyone who causes chaos in Kano- Sanusi

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The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has warned that fire would engulf any one trying to cause chaos in Kano State.

This was as Sanusi said the battle over Kano Emirate belonged to God, hence residents should remain calm and resist any temptation that could cause unrest.

He made the remark in a viral video while reacting to the Appeal Court judgement.

The Abuja Division of the Appeal Court had nullified the order of the Federal High Court in Kano.

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The Kano Federal High Court had nullified Sanusi’s appointment following an emirate tussle in Kano State.

The order nullifying Sanusi’s appointment was issued by Justice Abubakar Liman of the Kano Division of the Federal High Court on June 20, 2024.

But, the Appeal Court faulted the ruling of the Federal High Court.

Sanusi said: “As you all know, the Appeal Court has confirmed today that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction over emirate issues. This judgment was expected, and those who initiated the case in court knew this all along.

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“Even the judge who issued the initial order was aware of the limits of his jurisdiction. Those who influenced him to make that decision also knew the truth.

“However, for the past eight months, their aim has been to promote selfish interests and instigate unrest in this part of the country.

“Despite their efforts, our greatest achievement is that the state has remained peaceful. There has been no violence or disorder. We call on everyone to continue maintaining peace and unity.

“This battle is not ours but God’s. And God does not need anyone’s help. Let us keep praying for His guidance and intervention. May God protect us, and whoever seeks to ignite chaos in Kano, may that fire consume them instead.

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To those who wish harm upon Kano or its peace, may they face the consequences of their own wishes.”

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