Binance founder Changpeng Zhao has accused Nigerian authorities of “kidnapping” former Binance government and U.S. federal agent Tigran Gambaryan for eight months in a dramatic escalation of worldwide tensions.
Zhao’s assertion, in a now deleted publish on X, got here simply moments after U.S. President Donald Trump introduced preparations for potential navy intervention in Nigeria over alleged non secular persecution.
“Nigeria additionally mainly kidnapped Tigran Gambaryan, an ex-Binance worker and an ex-US federal agent, for 8 months with out trigger a yr in the past,” Zhao wrote, referencing rising Western criticism of Nigeria’s therapy of Christians.
Arrest and detention
Gambaryan, who served as Binance’s Head of Monetary Crime Compliance, was arrested in Lagos on February 28, 2024, alongside Nadeem Anjarwalla, the corporate’s regional supervisor for Africa.
Their detention was a part of Nigeria’s broader crackdown on cryptocurrency platforms, which authorities accused of cash laundering, tax evasion, and international alternate violations. Whereas Anjarwalla escaped custody, Gambaryan remained detained till October 2024, when the Federal Excessive Courtroom in Abuja discharged him from all fees.
In a follow-up publish, Gambaryan echoed Zhao’s claims and alleged that Nigerian officers boasted about extorting the U.S. authorities for his launch. “Thanks @cz_binance (Zhao). Then they bragged about extorting the Biden administration out of $50 million to launch me,” he wrote.
Trump’s fiery assertion
The controversy erupted as President Trump issued a fiery assertion on social media, condemning what he described because the “mass slaughter” of Christians in Nigeria.
“If the Nigerian Authorities continues to permit the killing of Christians,” Trump warned, “the usA. might very effectively go into that now disgraced nation, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to utterly wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who’re committing these horrible atrocities.”
He added, “I’m hereby instructing our Division of Warfare to arrange for doable motion. If we assault, will probably be quick, vicious, and candy”.
U.S. Secretary of Protection Pete Hegseth backed Trump’s stance, posting “Sure, sir,” alongside a screenshot of the president’s assertion. He added, “The killing of harmless Christians in Nigeria, and wherever, should finish instantly. The Division of Warfare is making ready for motion”.
Nigeria denies allegation
The Nigerian authorities has strongly denied allegations of non secular persecution. President Bola Tinubu responded, stating, “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously illiberal doesn’t replicate our nationwide actuality.”
He emphasised Nigeria’s dedication to safeguarding non secular freedom and ongoing collaboration with worldwide companions.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga criticized the U.S. narrative, calling it “a gross exaggeration of the Nigerian scenario.” He famous that each Christians and Muslims face assaults from extremist teams and urged the U.S. to help Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts fairly than concern threats.
What it is best to know
Previous to Tinubu’s assertion, the Federal Authorities had mentioned that the USA stays one among Nigeria’s closest allies regardless of President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Nation of Specific Concern” over alleged killings of Christians.
- An announcement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Overseas Affairs, famous that the Federal Authorities has taken due cognizance of the latest remarks by the USA on non secular freedom in Nigeria, emphasizing that the related authorities stay dedicated to tackling violent extremism throughout the nation.
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