The president of the United States, Joe Biden expressed appreciation to Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu for facilitating the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a key executive of cryptocurrency exchange Binance.
Tigran Gambaryan was released after months of detention in Nigeria. His release was subject of a 30-minute phone call between both Presidents on Tuesday.
Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister, Yusuf Tuggar while briefing State House correspondents, provided details of the conversation that took place around 4 p.m.
According to him, Joe Biden in a statement from the White House, acknowledged the growing partnership between the two countries, thanking Tinubu for Nigeria’s support and direct involvement in securing Gambaryan’s release.
“The two leaders exchanged pleasantries, and President Biden conveyed his gratitude to President Tinubu for his partnership and for Nigeria’s collaboration, particularly with respect to the release of one of the suspects linked to the cryptocurrency exchange company Binance,” Tuggar said.
Tigran Gambaryan, who had been held in Nigeria for eight months, departed for the U.S. on Monday. His family confirmed his release in a public statement expressing relief. “Today, American citizen Tigran Gambaryan left Nigeria to return home to his family after 8 months of unlawful detention,” the statement read.
His detention had reportedly drawn attention from both diplomatic circles and the cryptocurrency industry, given his role as a prominent investigator at Binance. His arrest, according to legal sources, was tied to cross-border inquiries into financial transactions involving digital assets.
However, the specific circumstances surrounding his incarceration remain unknown, raising concerns about jurisdiction and procedural fairness throughout the case.
The resolution of the crisis emphasizes the necessity of diplomacy and cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in negotiating difficult international legal issues.
Analysts suggest that Biden’s outreach reflects Washington’s interest in strengthening ties with Nigeria, especially at a time when both countries are tackling issues ranging from cybersecurity and financial crime to geopolitical stability in West Africa.
This development marks a significant moment in U.S.-Nigeria relations, with both leaders expressing their commitment to future cooperation. The request comes as President Tinubu attempts to improve Nigeria’s international image amid ongoing economic reforms and diplomatic engagements on various fronts.
Gambaryan’s release brings an end to what his family described as a prolonged ordeal and highlights the potential diplomatic challenges that can arise when global financial regulations intersect with national law enforcement efforts.
Written by Jennifer Amarachi
