A high-stakes legal battle has erupted in Nigeria, pitting a detained Binance executive against the nation's security apparatus. Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance representative and US citizen, has launched a fierce legal offensive, accusing Nigerian authorities of trampling on his fundamental rights.

Local media outlets like Premium Times reported that Gambaryan's lawsuit, filed on March 18th, targets two powerful Nigerian agencies: the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He vehemently alleges that their actions constitute a blatant violation of his basic human rights.

This legal action isn't a solitary cry for justice. Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance's regional manager for Africa, has also joined the fray. While Gambaryan remains under detention, Anjarwalla managed to escape custody on March 22nd. However, just like his colleague, he has lodged his own separate lawsuit seeking legal vindication from Justice Ekwo. Both executives are seeking the same legal remedies from the Nigerian court system.

Binance, the global cryptocurrency exchange giant, remained tight-lipped on the situation. Multiple requests for comment from Cryptonews were met with silence at the time of publication.

This legal showdown unfolds in the wake of a broader Nigerian crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges. In February, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were detained, and their passports were confiscated by officials. These actions were part of a larger government offensive aimed at reigning in crypto exchanges operating within Nigeria's borders.

Nigerian authorities allege that Binance defied local tax regulations. Specifically, they accuse the exchange of failing to provide proper documentation, namely VAT invoices, and hindering the government's ability to collect taxes from Binance users. The timing of this crackdown is noteworthy, as it coincides with the Nigerian Naira experiencing significant depreciation compared to the US dollar.

Gambaryan, in his lawsuit, demands his immediate release and the return of his confiscated passport. He argues that these actions by the Nigerian authorities directly infringe upon his right to personal liberty, a right enshrined in Articles 35(1) and (4) of the Nigerian Constitution. Additionally, he seeks a permanent legal injunction barring the authorities from detaining him in any future investigations or actions related to Binance.

Furthermore, Gambaryan's legal team is demanding a public apology from the Nigerian government and compensation for all legal expenses incurred due to this ordeal. In a supporting affidavit, Gambaryan clarifies that his visit to Nigeria on February 26th was solely for professional purposes. He acted as a representative for Binance, attending a meeting requested by the authorities to discuss pertinent issues surrounding cryptocurrency regulations.

He maintains that he committed no offense during the meeting and that he was not provided with any prior written notification of any alleged wrongdoing on his part within Nigeria.

The Nigerian court system has acknowledged the lawsuit. A hearing took place on Thursday, with a senior Nigerian lawyer, TJ Krukrubo, appearing on behalf of both executives. However, Krukrubo emphasized the absence of official legal representation for Gambaryan and Anjarwalla. He also informed the court of a previously submitted withdrawal notice filed for Anjarwalla on March 26th.

Given the lack of official legal representation, Justice Echo deemed it necessary to postpone the case until April 8th. This adjournment grants the executives time to secure legal counsel while also affording the respondents additional time to prepare their defense. The coming weeks will be crucial as this legal battle unfolds, with the potential to shape the future of cryptocurrency regulations within Nigeria.