A Federal High Court in Abuja is set to rule on April 8 regarding an objection raised by Tigran Gambaryan, an executive at Binance Holdings Limited, contesting the competency of the charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Gambaryan, represented by Mark Mordi, SAN, objected to his arraignment, arguing that the EFCC cannot arraign him without serving Binance, listed as the 1st defendant, with the charge.
The EFCC charged Binance, Gambaryan, and Nadeem Anjarwalla (now at large) with money laundering amounting to $35,400,000. Anjarwalla fled Nigeria after escaping from lawful custody on March 22. During the court session, only Gambaryan appeared. The EFCC sought to arraign him, but Mordi contested, stating that since Binance had not been served, Gambaryan couldn’t plead.
Mordi argued that under Section 477 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, Binance must authorize Gambaryan before service can be deemed valid. He also noted that each defendant should be served separately. However, the EFCC countered, claiming Gambaryan is Binance’s representative in Nigeria and can be served. They argued that Gambaryan’s refusal of service equated to proper service.
The court adjourned until April 8 for ruling, ordering Gambaryan’s remand in EFCC custody pending arraignment.
