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US Lawmaker Warns Nigeria: Free Binance Executive or Risk Bilateral Strain
US Representative James Hill has expressed concerns over the ongoing detention of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria, warning that it could strain the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the United States.
Hill made his position clear in a recent statement, emphasizing that Gambaryan, a US citizen, has been held for an extended period despite not being directly involved in the accusations against him.
In his statement, Hill expressed disappointment that Nigeria, considered a key ally of the US, is detaining Gambaryan over charges of tax evasion and other financial crimes.
Hill urged President Joe Biden to take stronger action to secure the release of the executive, noting that Gambaryan had played a crucial role in helping American authorities dismantle numerous cybercrime networks.
He argued that it is time for the US to reciprocate the support Gambaryan has provided to the country’s fight against cybercrime.
Gambaryan, who has now been detained for six months, continues to face accusations that have drawn significant attention.
Hill, who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and leads the subcommittee on digital assets and financial technology, has been one of the prominent voices calling for his release.
He stressed that Gambaryan’s contributions in combating global cyber threats should be acknowledged, and his current legal troubles in Nigeria should not overshadow his positive impact.
This is not the first time Hill has called for action regarding Gambaryan’s situation.
Along with fellow US lawmaker Chrissy Houlahan from Pennsylvania, Hill had previously visited the Binance executive in detention earlier in the year.
Following their visit, both lawmakers raised alarms over the poor prison conditions and the negative effects on Gambaryan’s health.
They appealed to the US embassy in Nigeria to advocate for his humanitarian release, arguing that he was wrongfully detained and pointing to his deteriorating health as a critical factor in their plea.
The ongoing case has stirred international attention, with more voices joining the call for Gambaryan’s freedom.
Hill and Houlahan’s efforts have also drawn support from a congressional task force dedicated to addressing cases of Americans who are wrongfully detained abroad.
The lawmakers strongly believe that Gambaryan’s situation aligns with the criteria of wrongful detention and are determined to push for his release.
As the case lingers, the prolonged detention of Gambaryan has sparked debates about the broader implications for US-Nigeria relations.
The lawmakers have emphasized that resolving this matter diplomatically could help avoid tensions and maintain the strong ties between both nations.
The situation remains a critical topic, with hopes for a resolution growing as pressure mounts for Nigerian authorities to reconsider their position.
Lagos State Police react to claims of them taking money from dispatch riders on the Coastal Road in Lagos.
It started after a rumour was shared that police arrest and take money from riders as a demand for high bribes, sometimes reaching ₦200,000, and seize motorcycles if not given.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, then addressed the claims online and stated in his statement that he disagreed that the rumour is true and stated, “The spread of misinformation only causes more harm than good. In this era, we can and must do better.”
It has been announced by the governor of Ogun that Tuesday 3rd of February is a public holiday in order to mark the 50th anniversary of the state creation.
This public holiday declaration was released in a statement by the secretary of the state, Tokunbo Talabi.
He then added that the holiday will provide as a day for the citizens to participate in the activities for the state milestone.
Former Kogi politician, Dino Melaye, faces backlash from the public after he shared a video on social media of him abroad and living well through his luxurious lifestyle.
In the same video, he speaks about Nigeria’s current economy and shares his disappointment.
He wrote, “See country, God help us to build a true nation where our wicked leaders will be in jail and the right people in power. Nigeria must be fixed. YES WE CAN.”
However, many state that what he posted and what he is saying contradict each other, and they accused him of sharing his own records to know if he was a corrupt leader.
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