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US Lawmaker Warns Nigeria: Free Binance Executive or Risk Bilateral Strain

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.


 

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Legal Group Files Lawsuit Against Trump Over Tariffs, Claims He Exceeded His Authority

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A legal advocacy group filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging US President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs on foreign trade partners. The group, Liberty Justice Center, argues that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing these tariffs and has asked the US Court of International Trade to block them.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of five small businesses, targets the tariffs Trump introduced on April 2, as well as the additional duties placed on China. These businesses include a wine and spirits importer from New York and a Virginia-based company making educational kits and musical instruments.

Liberty Justice Center senior counsel Jeffrey Schwab argued that only Congress, not the president, has the constitutional authority to set tax rates, including tariffs. He stated, “No one person should have the power to impose taxes with such far-reaching global consequences.”

In response, White House spokesman Harrison Fields defended Trump’s tariffs, saying they were necessary to address unfair trade practices, particularly with China. He claimed the president is standing up for American businesses and workers by correcting trade imbalances.

This lawsuit follows another similar legal challenge in Florida, where a small business owner is also seeking to block tariffs on Chinese goods.

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Trump’s tariffs include a 10% duty on goods from all countries, with higher rates for those with significant barriers to US imports. While some of the tariffs were paused for 90 days, the Liberty Justice Center argues that Trump’s use of special executive powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act doesn’t authorize such actions.


 

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Portable Sent to Prison in Ilorin After Failing to Meet Bail in Saheed Osupa Case

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Controversial singer Portable, whose real name is Okikiola Badmus, has been sent to the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State.

This followed his failure to meet the strict bail conditions set by an Upper Area Court, where he appeared on Monday over a defamation case filed by Fuji music legend Saheed Osupa.

The court granted him bail at N1 million with tough conditions. He is required to provide two sureties—one must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), while the other must own a property within a Government Reserved Area in Ilorin and present a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

Until those conditions are met, Portable will remain in custody.


 

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Yoon Suk Yeol’s Trial Begins Over Martial Law And Causing Political Chaos

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The criminal trial of South Korea’s former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, began on Monday as he faces charges of insurrection for declaring martial law late last year, which led to months of political unrest.

The martial law declaration lasted just six hours after parliamentary staffers blocked special forces from entering the parliament building, where lawmakers voted against it.

Yoon, who left his home in a motorcade to attend the court session at the Seoul Central District Court, denied all charges. Prosecutors argued that he had no legal right to declare martial law and accused him of attempting to paralyze state institutions like parliament.

Yoon defended his actions, claiming that martial law was necessary to highlight the opposition party’s control over the legislature, which repeatedly blocked his government’s agenda. He maintained that he never intended to disrupt the country.

The charge of insurrection could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty, though South Korea has not carried out executions in decades.

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Earlier this month, Yoon was removed from office by the Constitutional Court for violating constitutional powers, with his martial law declaration on December 3 which is a serious blow to democracy. The court notes that his actions caused chaos across society, the economy, and foreign policy.


 

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