The Nigerian government has dismissed recent claims that Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan is being held in poor conditions in Kuje Prison, Abuja. Mohammed Idris, the country’s Information Minister, made this clear after two U.S. lawmakers visited Gambaryan in jail. The government stated that Gambaryan is being held in lawful detention and has access to quality medical care whenever required. He also has full access to consular services from his home government.

The government’s statement was a direct response to claims made by U.S. Representatives French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan, who called for Gambaryan’s release after their June 19th visit. The lawmakers highlighted Gambaryan’s background as a former IRS Special Agent with a decade of experience in fighting financial crimes.

The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to follow due process in its quest to bring Binance to justice — a legitimate sovereign quest that is similarly being pursued in several other countries around the world. The minister further stressed that Nigeria is following the law in its case against Binance, noting that other countries are also investigating the company. He said Nigeria will continue to respect Gambaryan’s rights, including his right to a fair trial.

Meanwhile, Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, has appealed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release her husband, citing the recent withdrawal of charges by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as a precedent. The case against Binance and Gambaryan continues to unfold, with Abdulkadir Abbas, a director at the Security and Exchange Commission, testifying that Binance lacked proper registration to operate in Nigeria. The next hearing is scheduled for July 1.