FG Trade Words with Gambaryan After Accusing Nuhu Ribadu and Lawmakers of $150M Bribery

Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, has accused Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Peter Akpanke, Philip Agbese, Hamma Adama Belloji of corruption and misconduct.

Gambaryan, a former U.S. federal agent known for his work in cryptocurrency investigations, was detained alongside his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, after Nigerian authorities accused Binance, a cryptocurrency exchange, of using the platform to launder up to $35 million and manipulating the naira. However, Anjarwalla escaped custody in Nigeria on Friday, March 22, 2024, from an Abuja guest house where he and his colleague were detained. 

According to Gambaryan, before they met with the Nigerian House of Representatives on January 5, 2024, they were summoned by the Department of State Services (DSS). During this encounter, DSS officials implied that they were to adhere to directives from House members.

At the subsequent House meeting, representatives Peter Akpanke, representing Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwara Federal Constituency, Cross River State and Philip Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituencies under the leadership of Ginger Obinna Onwusibe, representing Isiala Ngwa South/Isiala Ngwa North, Imo State, allegedly orchestrated a façade of official proceedings, complete with non-functional cameras, culminating in a demand for a $150 million bribe to be paid in cryptocurrency.

Gambaryan further claimed that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, through his associate Sa’ad Abubakar, facilitated meetings where the bribe solicitation was discussed. He also implicated Hamma Adama Belloji in the scheme, describing him as a key figure. 

He addressed allegations that Binance was responsible for $26 billion leaving Nigeria, stating that this figure represented cumulative trade data of Nigerians on the platform, not actual capital flight. He emphasised that the devaluation of the naira was due to governmental monetary policy decisions, not actions by Binance.

Gambaryan accused Nigerian officials of attempting to coerce Binance into violating international privacy laws by demanding user data to target political opponents. He also alleged that during his detention, officials threatened hospital administrators to deny him medical care and withheld his medical records from his attorneys.

Exchange of Pleasantries and Denials of Allegations 

Reacting to Gambaryan’s claim, Philip Agbese said he was not a committee member and never demanded a bribe from Binance. 

I am outraged by the false allegations made by Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of the controversial crypto firm Binance, claiming that I was among those who demanded a $150 million bribe from him,” the statement reads. “These allegations are false. I was not part of any meeting with any Binance executive regarding money for any purpose. The leadership of the committee took the matter to court, and Binance has already apologised.

“Let it be on record that I am not a member of the Committee on Economic and Financial Crimes. I visited my colleague, Hon. Peter Ankpanke, in his office, where he was meeting with some visitors about the activity of his Committee, with Hon. Peter Anakwe, a member of the Committee, present.

Agbese urged Gambaryan to either publish any evidence linking him to the bribery accusation, apologise within seven days, or face legal action.

Nigerian Government Reacts

Meanwhile, through the office of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Federal Government of Nigeria released a statement noting that the allegations by Gambaryan are outrageous, misinformation, and defamatory.

The statement noted that the first visit by Gambaryan and his colleagues to Nigeria had no government official involvement. However, the government was aware of an alleged bribery demand during that trip, and an investigation was opened into it, though no formal complaint had been made by anyone.

Mr Gambaryan was released by the Nigerian government in October 2024 on humanitarian grounds and following a high-level diplomatic intervention that ended with tangible benefits for Nigeria. The government rejected Binance’s offer of a $5 million down payment in exchange for Mr Gambaryan’s freedom, in favour of a more beneficial settlement with the American government,” the statement reads in part.

Reacting to the statement on X, Gambaryan replied by stating:

Maybe you should take the time to get your facts straight before posting. I was invited by the Nigerian FIU to a meeting in January. Last time I checked, they are part of the Nigerian government. House members also invited us to the meeting. Last time I checked, the legislative branch is also part of the Nigerian government. You said the second part was part of a probe? Lol. So when you invited us to a friendly meeting, you even lied about that?

He continued by dismissing the government’s claim of being released on humanitarian grounds, noting that the government had claimed his health was not deteriorating during detention.

“So, I was released on humanitarian grounds? At least you’re finally admitting the need to release me. The last time you posted, you claimed my health was fine, and nothing was wrong with me. You investigated? Yet you didn’t take a statement from me? A person with direct knowledge. What a joke.

“You dragged my name through the mud for the past year with zero evidence against me, nearly killed me, and caused trauma to my family. And now you have the nerve to talk about defamation?” he queried.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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