United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday evening expressed gratitude to Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, briefed State House Correspondents on the 30-minute phone conversation between the two leaders, noting Biden’s appreciation for Nigeria’s partnership in securing Gambaryan’s freedom.
“I have been directed by Mr President to brief you on his call with U.S. President Joseph Biden at around 4 p.m. today,” Tuggar said. “The two leaders exchanged pleasantries, and President Biden proceeded to thank President Tinubu for his partnership and for Nigeria’s collaboration, particularly regarding the release of a key figure from the cryptocurrency exchange company.”
Gambaryan, who had been detained in Nigeria for nearly eight months, departed on Monday, his family confirmed. “Today, American citizen Tigran Gambaryan left Nigeria to return home to his family after 8 months of unlawful detention,” their statement read.
A senior executive at Binance, Gambaryan was detained by Nigerian authorities in early 2024 amidst a crackdown on cryptocurrency activities.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission charged him with money laundering, charges that Gambaryan and Binance have denied. His prolonged detention drew international attention due to concerns over his health, which reportedly declined during his time at Kuje Prison. U.S. diplomats and lawmakers advocated for his release, emphasizing the need for transparent legal proceedings.
Despite multiple bail applications, Gambaryan remained in custody for months, straining diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the U.S. His release followed a ruling by an Abuja Federal High Court that discharged him from the money laundering charges, allowing him to return to the U.S. for urgent medical care.
Binance CEO Richard Teng expressed relief, reaffirming the company’s commitment to regulatory cooperation in Nigeria.
In response, President Tinubu thanked Biden and the U.S. for their partnership, emphasizing Nigeria’s interest in deeper collaboration, particularly in enhancing security across West Africa. Biden, in turn, affirmed the U.S.’s commitment to ongoing partnership, noting, “The future of the world resides in Africa… which is why it is important for this partnership to continue.”
Biden further assured Tinubu that the U.S. is advocating for two permanent African seats on the United Nations Security Council, one of which he believes should be held by Nigeria.
“The two leaders also discussed the issue of permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council,” Tuggar added. “President Biden reiterated that he does not see any reason why one of those seats should not belong to Nigeria, given its position in Africa, its stature, and its importance.”
President Tinubu underscored Nigeria’s dedication to the rule of law and noted the shared democratic values between the two nations, referencing Nigeria’s adoption of a government system inspired by the U.S. model in 1999. Both leaders agreed on the importance of strong legal frameworks and committed to ongoing collaboration in this area.
The call concluded with both leaders affirming their commitment to regular communication as Biden’s term approaches its conclusion in January 2025.
