Nigerian Lawmaker Takes Legal Action Against Binance Executive
In a high-stakes legal battle, Nigerian House of Representatives member Philip Agbese has initiated a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit against Tigran Gambaryan, a senior executive at cryptocurrency giant Binance. This contentious case has arisen from allegations that Agbese and two fellow lawmakers attempted to solicit a $150 million bribe, dramatically impacting their public perception.
House of Reps Member, Philip Agbese, Sues Binance Executive, Tigran Gambaryan, for ₦1.5 Billion Over Defamation.
The Allegations and the Lawsuit Details
The lawsuit was filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, asserting that Gambaryan’s statements on social media grossly misrepresented Agbese’s character and integrity. The defamation claim highlights how such allegations can severely tarnish a public official’s reputation.
According to local media reports, Agbese is seeking a formal declaration that Gambaryan’s comments were defamatory, alongside an injunction to prevent any further claims. He demands ₦1 billion in general damages and an additional ₦5 million to cover legal fees. The entire controversy ignited following Gambaryan’s online posts, which accused Agbese and other lawmakers of pursuing a bribe linked to cryptocurrency dealings. These claims quickly gained traction in the media and were echoed by several trusted Nigerian news platforms, including Channels Television and Blueprint.
BREAKING: Binance Chief Tigran Gambaryan names 3 Nigerian lawmakers who allegedly demanded $150 million bribe.
Response from Agbese’s Legal Team
Agbese’s legal representation, spearheaded by Barrister S. Ihensekhien, strongly contends that the accusations leveled by Gambaryan are baseless and malicious. The lawsuit emphasizes that Agbese has never had a cryptocurrency account nor has he participated in any form of digital currency transactions.
In addition to financial remuneration, the suit demands that Gambaryan publicly retract his statements in at least three major Nigerian newspapers and remove the offending posts across all his social media platforms. The lawsuit also calls for a court injunction to curb any future dissemination of these damaging allegations.
Government Involvement and Broader Implications
The Federal Government of Nigeria has also weighed in, expressing alarm over the alleged misinformation circulating from Gambaryan. On February 14, 2025, the Minister of Information and National Orientation labeled Gambaryan’s claims as unfounded, stressing that no credible evidence had been provided to substantiate the allegations against Agbese.
Disregard Falsehoods Being Peddled by Tigran Gambaryan against Nigerian Government Officials – FG.
The government’s response underscores a growing concern regarding the spread of misinformation, particularly from individuals who find themselves under legal scrutiny.
The Backstory of Tigran Gambaryan
Interestingly, Tigran Gambaryan’s own legal troubles in Nigeria are well-documented. He was arrested in February 2024 while on a business trip related to financial crime compliance. Allegations of money laundering surfaced, resulting in his proactive detention, while his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, managed to evade capture.
While Binance has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming Gambaryan was not a direct decision-maker for the company, they have also alleged that certain Nigerian officials sought secret payments to resolve legal disputes—a claim that the Nigerian government has vehemently denied. After enduring months of detainment and health complications stemming from poor conditions, Gambaryan was ultimately released in October 2024 following diplomatic efforts. However, he was faced with a $2,000 fine for overstaying his visa.
Legal Proceedings and Future Implications
As the court proceedings progress, Gambaryan has been ordered to respond to Agbese’s lawsuit within eight days. Legal notice will be served through Nigerian media or via his legal team. Should he fail to respond, the court may proceed in his absence, potentially reshaping the legal landscape surrounding defamation claims in the digital age.
Why It Matters
This legal conflict is emblematic of the broader tension between the cryptocurrency sector and regulatory bodies within emerging economies like Nigeria. Agbese’s lawsuit not only serves as a personal defense against damaging allegations but also raises fundamental questions about accountability and the credibility of online statements made by public figures. As social media continues to dominate the information landscape, instances like this case will likely set vital precedents for how such disputes are resolved in courts across the globe.
Expert Opinions
Experts in legal and cryptocurrency fields suggest that the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for both Nigerian politics and the crypto industry. “This isn’t just about one lawmaker’s reputation,” says legal analyst Dr. Jane Ogar. “It speaks to the challenges regulators face in combating misinformation while trying to foster a positive environment for cryptocurrency innovation.”
Future Outlook
As the tension between regulation and innovation persists in Nigeria, this case will undoubtedly attract significant attention from both domestic and international observers. The final ruling may well influence how cryptocurrency and political accountability unravel in the region, setting new standards for clarity and transparency in a rapidly evolving landscape.