KEY POINTS
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Biden thanked Tinubu for securing the release of Binance executive Gambaryan after an 8-month detention.
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Both leaders discussed ongoing U.S.-Nigeria collaboration, focusing on regional security and shared legal frameworks.
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Biden reiterated U.S. support for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
President Joe Biden of the United States expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday for securing the release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan.
This came after an eight-month detention that garnered international attention. Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar briefed State House correspondents about the 30-minute call between the two leaders, which took place around 4 p.m.
Biden thanks Tinubu for Gambaryan’s release
Tuggar shared, “President Biden thanked President Tinubu for Nigeria’s partnership, especially in the release of one of the suspects from the cryptocurrency exchange firm.” Gambaryan, who faced allegations of money laundering brought by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), departed from Nigeria on Monday, according to his family. “Today, American citizen Tigran Gambaryan left Nigeria to return home after eight months of unlawful detention,” the family’s statement read.
Gambaryan’s arrest in early 2024 occurred during Nigeria’s crackdown on cryptocurrency activities. Despite consistent denials from Gambaryan and Binance regarding the allegations, his prolonged detention at Kuje Prison and reported deteriorating health raised concerns. U.S. diplomats and lawmakers pushed for his release, advocating for transparent legal processes and emphasizing his health condition. Multiple bail applications were made unsuccessfully, creating diplomatic tension between the two nations.
Last week, an Abuja Federal High Court discharged Gambaryan, enabling his return to the U.S. for urgent medical care. His release came following diplomatic efforts and public advocacy. Responding to Biden, President Tinubu thanked him and emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with the U.S. across multiple sectors, particularly in regional security in West Africa.
Binance CEO vows regulatory cooperation with Nigeria
Binance CEO Richard Teng also expressed relief over Gambaryan’s return and highlighted the company’s dedication to regulatory cooperation within Nigeria. This development underscores the commitment of both nations to uphold the rule of law and strengthen their relationship.
During the call, Biden assured Tinubu that the U.S. would continue to work with Nigeria and stressed Africa’s growing importance on the global stage. “The future of the world resides in Africa, which is why it is important for this partnership to continue,” Biden remarked.
The conversation also touched on global governance, with Biden reaffirming his administration’s support for securing two permanent seats for African nations on the United Nations Security Council. He stressed that Nigeria’s stature and regional significance make it a natural contender for one of these seats.
Tuggar conveyed Biden’s comments, “The United States is committed to seeing Africa represented on the UN Security Council, and there is no reason why one of those seats should not belong to Nigeria.” Tinubu, in turn, assured Biden of Nigeria’s adherence to established legal frameworks, a value shared by both nations. The discussion ended on a positive note, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to open communication. Biden expressed a desire to maintain the strong ties between the two countries beyond the end of his term in January 2025.
