News
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.
It was reported that former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has allegedly purchased a presidential candidate form for the 2027 elections.
It can be noted that Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015.
This information was revealed by Sani Useni, a special assistant who made the claim. Many reacted to the news, with some expressing interest in seeing Jonathan return to power after staying relatively quiet politically since his administration ended.
However, Jonathan has not yet addressed the public or officially shared any presidential ambition.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted to the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.
It can be recalled that schools were attacked by armed men, with some teachers and students reportedly taken. Some people were also killed during the attack.
CAN cried out on behalf of the public, stating “It is intolerable, disgraceful and utterly unacceptable that Nigerian children can no longer sit safely in classrooms without the fear of being kidnapped by armed gangs.”
The organisation also stated that Nigerians are tired of constantly mourning and questioning when something will finally be done to stop the violence.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that seven teachers were abducted following a recent attack on a school in the state.
It was also shared that the number of students taken is still being investigated.
The governor further revealed that some people were killed during the attack and abduction.
He also added “With the pressure on the terrorists and the bandits in the North-West, they will keep moving southward.”
“When you have pressure in one place, we must be prepared on this side to either repel or neutralise any terrorists fleeing the pressure points.”
Victor Osimhen Speaks on His Childhood and Family Struggles
Dolapo Lawal Says Many Nigerians Abroad Are Surviving, Not Thriving
