“Nigeria Government Denounces Gambaryan’s Defamatory Allegations in High-Profile Dispute”
The Nigerian government has condemned the defamatory statements made by Tigran Gambaryan, an American employee of Binance, regarding his recent legal troubles in Nigeria. Gambaryan, who faced financial crime charges and was detained for allegedly laundering $35 million, claimed on social media that three Nigerian lawmakers demanded a bribe of $150 million from him.
In a statement issued late last night, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, expressed the government’s outrage over the baseless accusations made by Gambaryan. He urged the public to dismiss the claims made by the Head of Financial Crime Compliance at the cryptocurrency firm.
Gambaryan, who spent eight months in detention, accused House members Philip Agbese, Ginger Onwusibe, and Peter Akpanke of extorting him for the large sum. He further alleged that the Nigerian government had been targeting members of opposition political parties, accusing them of demanding data on citizens.
Agbese, one of the accused lawmakers and Deputy Spokesperson for the House of Representatives, quickly denied the bribery allegations, demanding that Gambaryan provide proof or retract his claims within seven days, or face legal action. He also clarified that he had no involvement with cryptocurrency or any meetings concerning money with Binance executives.
Idris, addressing the media, stated that despite diplomatic efforts resolving Gambaryan’s case, it was important for the government to respond to prevent the spread of these falsehoods. He explained that Gambaryan’s first visit to Nigeria was voluntary, and no formal complaint about bribery had been filed. However, an investigation into the issue was launched when the government became aware of the allegations.
Furthermore, Gambaryan’s second visit was tied to an investigation into the manipulation of Nigeria’s currency through peer-to-peer platforms like Binance. The Minister pointed out that Gambaryan’s release in October 2024 was facilitated through a diplomatic intervention, which ultimately benefitted Nigeria, and rejected any suggestion of bribery involving Binance.
Idris categorically dismissed Gambaryan’s retaliatory claims as unsubstantiated and lacking credibility, emphasizing that they were an attempt to intimidate officials who ensured he faced justice. He reiterated that Gambaryan’s accusations should be ignored until he provides evidence in a court of law.
Public commentator Reno Omokri also weighed in, calling Gambaryan’s actions a “false flag operation” meant to distract from revelations about U.S. funding of Boko Haram. Omokri linked the timing of Gambaryan’s post to a scandal involving U.S. officials funding the terrorist group.
In conclusion, Idris urged the public to disregard the baseless allegations, asserting that Nigeria’s legal systems, both locally and in the U.S., would allow Gambaryan to prove his claims if they were true. Until then, he advised caution against being influenced by Gambaryan’s unfounded and malicious statements.
