Yuki Gambaryan, wife of American citizen and Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, has urgently called on the Nigerian government to release her husband, who is currently detained under deteriorating health conditions in Kuje prison.
Her plea comes as Tigran’s health continues to rapidly decline, exacerbated by inadequate medical care and denial of access to his legal team.
Tigran, who was invited by Nigerian authorities for a meeting in Abuja in February, has been held in custody since February 26th.
He was compelled to surrender his American passport and has been unable to see his family, including his wife and two young children, since his detention began.
The situation has become increasingly dire since the court in Abuja adjourned for its summer holiday on July 16th, with the next hearing scheduled for October 11th.
Since July 26th, Tigran’s legal team has been blocked from visiting him, a violation of both the Nigerian constitution and Section 45 of the Nigerian Prisons Regulations, which guarantees prisoners reasonable access to their legal advisers.
Tigran’s wife said her husband’s deteriorating health is a major concern, adding that he suffers from a herniated disc requiring specialized and risky surgery, as well as recurrent throat infections, pneumonia, and tonsillitis.
According to her, his condition has worsened to the point where he is now mostly bedridden and must take blood thinners to prevent blood clots.
She lamented that despite these severe health issues, his medical records are reportedly being withheld by Nigerian prison authorities.
In a heartfelt appeal, Yuki Gambaryan described the devastating impact on her family.
“My husband Tigran left our home for a work trip almost six months ago, and I have no idea when he will be back. Now his health is in a shockingly bad condition and getting worse by the day,” she said.
She further expressed her anguish over her husband’s deteriorating condition.
“The herniated disc in his back has worsened to the point where it might leave permanent damage and affect his ability to walk.
“My once fit and healthy husband, who loves working out, is now wheelchair-bound due to a treatable condition that has not been properly addressed.
“He needs highly specialized and risky surgery, it is terrifying. Additionally, an ENT doctor examined him last week and determined he also needs surgery to remove his tonsils due to the recurring infections he is suffering in detention.”
Yuki also shared the emotional toll on their children.
Her words: “I recently found our five-year-old son crying on the floor of our living room. ‘I miss my daddy’ was all he said. He cannot understand why his father has been gone for so long. I had no idea how to comfort him. It was simply devastating.
“Our ten-year-old daughter is trying her best to be strong in this traumatic situation we find ourselves in. Her resilience makes me proud and sad at the same time because this is not anything a child should endure.
“Life is becoming harder and harder every day for all of us because of Tigran’s absence.”
