Arrest Ordered for Abuja Prison Doctor Over Failure to Produce Medical Report for Binance Executive

Federal High Court Orders Arrest of Abuja Prison Doctor Over Failure to Produce Medical Report for Binance Executive

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a prison doctor at the Kuje Correctional Centre after he failed to produce the medical report for Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Ltd. Mr. Gambaryan, a United States citizen, has been held at the correctional centre since April on money laundering charges.

The court’s decision came after Mr. Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), raised concerns about the defendant’s health and the failure of the prison doctor, Abraham Ehizojie, to comply with the court’s summons to appear in court with the medical report.

Despite being brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair, Mr. Gambaryan’s lawyer emphasized the need for proper medical care for his client, who has been complaining of back pain. The judge ordered the doctor’s arrest and directed that Mr. Gambaryan be taken to Nizamiye Hospital for 24-hour medical care under full security surveillance.

The case against Mr. Gambaryan and Binance, a cryptocurrency company, involves five money laundering charges. The court had previously denied Mr. Gambaryan’s bail application, citing him as a flight risk.

The judge set further hearing dates for October and emphasized the importance of upholding court orders and ensuring the well-being of the defendant. The prosecution and defense lawyers presented their arguments, with the defense urging immediate medical attention for Mr. Gambaryan.

The case highlights the challenges faced by foreign nationals in legal proceedings in Nigeria and the importance of ensuring access to proper medical care for detainees. The court’s decision to order the arrest of the prison doctor underscores the need for accountability and adherence to legal processes in the justice system.