By Aaior K. Comfort

A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has scheduled October 9, 2024, to deliver a ruling on the fresh bail application of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive facing $35.4 million money laundering charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

During the hearing on Wednesday, Gambaryan’s counsel, Mark Mordi, argued that his client’s health was in a “perilous” condition and requested the court to grant bail for six weeks to allow Gambaryan to seek medical treatment outside the prison, citing inadequate medical care in detention.

“We plead that you admit the second defendant to bail on liberal terms… to get medical attention,” Mordi told the court, supporting his request with an affidavit.

However, the EFCC’s counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, opposed the bail application, arguing that Gambaryan could receive adequate medical treatment within the Kuje correctional facility. He further noted that Gambaryan had refused medication and treatment at the State House Clinic, according to a medical report.

After considering the arguments, Justice Nwite directed the correctional facility to ensure Gambaryan has unrestricted access to necessary medical facilities and experts. The judge then adjourned the case to October 9 for the ruling on the bail application.