Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan Accuses NSA Nuhu Ribadu of Corruption and Political Ambitions

By TruetellsNigeria | February 14, 2025

Tigran Gambaryan, a former U.S. federal agent and Binance executive, has made explosive allegations against Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, following his release from detention.

Gambaryan, who was detained in Nigeria in February 2024 and released in October 2024 after the Nigerian government dropped money laundering charges against him under U.S. diplomatic pressure, claims Ribadu demanded billions in payouts to fund his political ambitions.

Allegations of Corruption and Diplomatic Fallout

According to Gambaryan, Ribadu went beyond his authority, embarrassing Nigeria on the international stage, particularly in front of former U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. He claims Ribadu’s actions led to serious diplomatic consequences, including U.S. visa restrictions for the Nigerian delegation at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and then-President Joe Biden’s refusal to meet with President Bola Tinubu until the matter was resolved.

“Ribadu emphasized that he wanted billions in payouts to fund his future political ambition,” Gambaryan alleged.

He further stated that when the corruption scandal became public, Ribadu was left in a difficult position.

“He was trapped—because any settlement would now be perceived as a bribe. I guess he really wanted his boss’ job,” he added.

Failed Legal Negotiations and U.S. Law Firm’s Role

Gambaryan also accused Ribadu of hiring a U.S. law firm to negotiate his release, but he claimed the firm’s incompetence and greed ultimately led to the failure of the negotiations.

“Ribadu overstepped his authority and embarrassed Nigeria in front of Jake Sullivan,” he wrote in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

He went on to describe how Ribadu’s actions angered the White House, leading to diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the U.S.

“Ribadu acting like an asshole angered the White House and led to diplomatic repercussions,” he claimed.

According to him, this resulted in U.S. visa restrictions on Nigeria’s UNGA delegation and President Biden’s refusal to meet Tinubu until the situation was resolved.

Gambaryan’s Detention and Health Condition

Gambaryan, a U.S. national, was arrested on February 26, 2024, during a visit to Nigeria to address regulatory concerns between Binance and the Nigerian government. He and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were detained on allegations of money laundering and tax evasion.

Anjarwalla later escaped custody and fled Nigeria, while Gambaryan was held at Kuje Prison for eight months under reportedly harsh conditions, which significantly affected his health.

The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, eventually discharged Gambaryan on health grounds. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) informed the court that his deteriorating condition, as reported by the Nigerian Correctional Service through the NSA’s office, prevented him from walking without a wheelchair and left him with severe health issues.

Following his release in October 2024, Gambaryan revealed more details about his experience, describing how Nigerian authorities mishandled the situation and turned it into a global embarrassment.

“In the end, Ribadu overestimated his influence. They thought they could secure a quick win, but instead, they created an international incident, exposing his incompetence on a global scale,” he stated.

Calls for Transparency and Accountability

While Gambaryan expressed admiration for many Nigerians he met during his ordeal, he criticized the country’s leadership, calling those responsible for his detention “muppets.”

“That’s it for me for now. I don’t want to dwell on this, but it’s important for Nigerians to get the facts. I met amazing people in Nigeria. It’s a shame that these muppets are in charge,” he concluded.

Gambaryan also noted that Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) was involved in discussions with the House of Representatives over his case, hinting at deeper involvement from various government agencies.

His revelations have sparked fresh debate on corruption within Nigeria’s security apparatus, raising concerns about the influence of high-ranking officials in legal and diplomatic affairs.