Two members of the US Congress, French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan, are in Nigeria to advocate for the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance employee who has been detained for four months in Kuje prison, Abuja. Gambaryan, who has been held since February 28, 2024, is reportedly suffering from severe health conditions, including malaria and double pneumonia, and is allegedly being denied adequate medical attention.

Hill and Houlahan have described Gambaryan's situation as a hostage situation, emphasizing his deteriorating health and the urgent need for his release. The Congress members expressed their concerns after meeting Gambaryan and witnessing his significant weight loss and suffering firsthand. Hill posted on X (formerly Twitter) that their visit to Nigeria, initially focused on national security and support against terrorism, also included advocating for Gambaryan's release.

Gambaryan's detention follows a meeting with Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser. While his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, managed to escape detention, Gambaryan was not as fortunate and has remained in Kuje prison. Initially, both were invited to discuss charges but only Gambaryan was detained.

The EFCC has charged Gambaryan with money laundering, despite the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) withdrawing tax evasion charges against him and other Binance executives on June 15, 2024. Binance has countered these allegations, asserting that Gambaryan is not a decision-maker within the company, and thus, the charges against him are unfounded.

The case has garnered significant attention from US lawmakers. Before Hill and Houlahan's visit, several US legislators had already urged President Joe Biden to intervene and secure Gambaryan's release, expressing fears for his life due to his worsening health and the conditions of his detention.

The involvement of US Congress members and the international spotlight on Gambaryan's detention may influence the proceedings and could potentially lead to his release. The ongoing advocacy highlights the complexities of international legal and diplomatic engagements, especially when it involves multinational corporations and cross-border legal issues.

The situation remains tense as efforts continue to secure Gambaryan's release. The next steps from both the US government and Nigerian authorities will be crucial in determining the outcome of this high-profile case. As the story unfolds, it underscores the importance of international cooperation and the need for humane treatment of detainees, regardless of the charges they face.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.