The Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed a mild drama on Friday when Tigran Gambaryan, the detained executive of Binance Holdings Limited, failed to appear for his trial.
Gambaryan is facing allegations of money laundering along with Binance Ltd, as brought forth by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Emeka Nwite had previously scheduled the continuation of the trial for October 13, following the rejection of Gambaryan’s second bail application on October 11.
However, when the court session commenced, all legal representatives were present except for Gambaryan himself.
Upon noticing his absence, Justice Nwite inquired about Gambaryan’s whereabouts. Mark Mordi, SAN, Gambaryan’s lawyer, expressed ignorance regarding his client’s absence, stating, “He is in their custody. It is funny they are saying they do not know his whereabouts.”
“Was he not taken to the correctional centre on the day the matter was adjourned?” the judge asked. Justice Nwite then asked the NCoS officer who was in court why Gambaryan was not produced for his trial.
“Yes, my lord, he was taken to our custody,” the officer said in open court.
“Did you not know his whereabouts?” Justice Nwite further asked.
“He is in our custody,” the officer insisted.
The judge, who asked him who was in charge of the Kuje Correctional Centre, directed the officer to put a telephone call to him.
“Call him and tell him the court is worried about his whereabouts,” the judge added.
Justice Nwite then stood down the matter.
Meanwhile, when the court reconvened, Justice Nwite asked the NCoS officer about his findings.
The officer said he had been able to get in touch with his boss. “I was told that he (Gambaryan) is very sick and that is why he could not be produced in court,” he responded.
Mordi, who appeared for Gambaryan, prayed the court for an adjournment.
“I urge for a date next week if only to report on the second defendant’s state of health.
“This will allow parties to take necessary steps to ensure that the defendant is given the medical care required,” he said.
Iheanacho did not oppose Mordi’s oral application.
The lawyer said although he would have wanted the matter to proceed since their witness was in court, “we are also concerned about the defendant’s health status.”
“We are very concerned about the issues of health.”
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until Oct. 25 for a report about Gambaryan’s health.