Diplomatic Tensions Rise due to Prolonged Imprisonment of Binance Executive in Nigeria, as Perceived by American Legislator

In a recent development, US lawmaker French Hill has called upon the Biden administration to take decisive action in the case of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive who has been in detention in Nigeria since February. Gambaryan is facing charges of tax evasion and other financial crimes.

Hill, who has been a vocal advocate for Gambaryan's release, has engaged with the US Under Secretary for Management, John Bass, about the case. He has also urged US President Joe Biden to push for Gambaryan's release, expressing concerns about the prolonged detention potentially negatively impacting bilateral relations between Nigeria and the US.

John Bass, an American government official, has provided insights into the complex issues within the Nigerian system that are being navigated for Gambaryan's release. He is hopeful about resolving the issues soon. The US government is fully engaged in attempting to secure Gambaryan's prompt release.

Gambaryan's health has reportedly deteriorated during his incarceration in the Kuje prison, and his lawyers have filed a bail application on medical grounds. The case has been scheduled for a ruling on October 9, with Justice Emeka Nwite of Abuja High Court presiding.

The US embassy has been instructed to advocate for Gambaryan's humanitarian release due to his poor health and prison conditions. Hill's intervention comes as Tigran Gambaryan's case continues to draw attention worldwide, with many calling for his release.

The US government removed Nigeria from the list in the Biden administration on religious freedom issues and signed a commercial and investment partnership with Nigeria amidst Gambaryan's detention. However, the lack of a deportation agreement with Nigeria complicates US attempts related to the detention of individuals like Gambaryan. Nigeria has rejected US efforts to establish such agreements for migrant returns, while other African countries like Ghana, Rwanda, and Uganda have agreed to accept deportees from the US.

Hill has asked Bass about the "sticking point" for getting Gambaryan home to his family. He believes Nigeria's leaders are putting the US-Nigeria relationship at risk due to their handling of the situation. Hill has not shied away from expressing his dismay over Nigeria's response to Gambaryan's detention, finding it embarrassing.

This is not the first time Hill has urged Joe Biden's administration to take action for Gambaryan's release; he previously did so in June, along with Rep. Chrissy Houlahan. Hill urges his colleagues to press harder and engages the US President for involvement. The hope remains that Gambaryan will soon be reunited with his family and that the US-Nigeria relationship will remain strong despite this challenging situation.