Detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, who is facing a money laundering charge, on Thursday slumped at the Federal high court in Abuja.
The incident which occurred in the courtroom shortly after the matter was called for continuation of trial was linked to his alleged ill-health.
BAR & BENCH WATCH reports that as soon as the case was called by the court registrar, Gambaryan did not step forward to the dock from the back row seat where he was seated.
The trial judge, Justice Nwite who appeared confused demanded for information on the whereabouts of the defendant to which a lawyer on the defence quickly held out Gambaryan’s hand, leading him to the dock.
But as they walked slowly to the dock, Gambaryan fell down and the lawyer assisted him up to take his seat in the front row to stabilize.
His lawyer, Mark Mordi, SAN, thereafter explained to the court why his client could not stand as soon as the matter was called.
Mordi said Gambaryan had been indisposed and a written application letter had been filed to notify the court of his health status.
“My lord, the case may not certainly proceed today,” he said.
All through the proceeding, the cryptocurrency firm’s agent could not sit properly.
It would be recalled that Justice Nwite had, on May 16, had dismissed Gambaryan’s bail application on the ground that the EFCC had been able to establish that the defendant, who is currently being remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, would jump bail if granted.
It would also be recalled that the alleged tax evasion charge filed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) against Binance Holdings Limited and Gambaryan could not proceed on Wednesday due to his absence in court
