U.S. lawmakers react to release of Binance executive from Nigerian detention

U.S. lawmakers have reacted to the release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who had been detained in Nigeria since February 2024.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul and Representatives French Hill, Rich McCormick, and Tom McClintock expressed their relief following the release of Gambaryan.

In a joint statement, the lawmakers condemned Gambaryan’s “unjust detention” by Nigerian authorities, highlighting the multiple violations of his due process rights during his eight-month detainment.

“These included restricted access to legal counsel and U.S. consular assistance, along with inadequate healthcare that raised concerns about his well-being.

“While long overdue, we are extremely pleased that Tigran Gambaryan has finally been released from his unjust detention by the Government of Nigeria.

“During his detainment, Tigran was unfairly subjected to routine violations of his rights of due process, including restricted access to his counsel and U.S. consular support and inadequate healthcare.

“This treatment of an upstanding American citizen is wholly unacceptable. Our hearts go out to Tigran and his family, and we hope for an expeditious recovery from this shameful ordeal,” the statement read.

Gambaryan’s release follows months of efforts by U.S. lawmakers and international attention to his case.