National
Nigerian Lawmaker Sues Binance Executive For ₦1.5b Over Bribery Claim
By Benjamin Abioye
Nigerian lawmaker Philip Agbese has sued Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan for ₦1.5 billion over bribery allegations, demanding proof or a public apology.
A Nigerian lawmaker, Philip Agbese, has taken legal action against Binance Holdings Limited’s executive, Tigran Gambaryan, following allegations of bribery.
Agbese has filed a defamation lawsuit demanding ₦1.5 billion in damages.
GWG.ng reports that the controversy began when Gambaryan, in a post on 𝕏 last Friday, claimed that three lawmakers, including Agbese and Peter Akpanke, had requested a $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency. It was a report that raised much controversy in news and social media across Nigeria.
Denying the accusations, Agbese responded firmly, stating, “I have never been involved in cryptocurrency trading and do not own a crypto wallet. I could not have asked for funds to be credited to a non-existent wallet.” He issued an ultimatum, giving Gambaryan seven days to either provide proof or publicly withdraw the claim.
With no apology or evidence forthcoming, Agbese proceeded to file a lawsuit at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama. He is seeking both compensation and a court order preventing further defamatory remarks. Additionally, he wants Gambaryan to take down the initial statement and any related publications.
Explaining his decision to sue, Agbese stated, “So, three days after my stated deadline, after a careful analysis of his wild claims, which hold no water either in common sense or logic, I have today, Monday, February 17, 2025, instituted legal proceedings against Gambaryan, after he repeated his false allegations instead of retracting them.”
He emphasized that the lawsuit was necessary to protect his reputation as a lawmaker and citizen. “I was compelled to approach the court because my reputation as a citizen, a distinguished congressman, and that of my country is at stake, such that if I failed to do this today, posterity, my children, and the generation unborn will not forgive me.”
Agbese expressed disappointment that Gambaryan had refused to apologize, instead saying he preferred to stay silent on the matter and focus on his family. “The accuser, who made the false statements, is not in any way ready to apologize for defaming me. He has instead chosen to say he would like to be excused from making further comments on the issue because he wants to spend more time with his family.”
Rejecting this stance, Agbese insisted that Gambaryan must face the consequences of his claims. “This is totally wrong. I am an African and have a larger family and more loved ones to stay with than Gambaryan. He must come to the court to prove his allegations or be ready to pay the compensation I have demanded.”
According to Agbese, his lawsuit is not just about the financial compensation but about setting a precedent. “This is not for the billions that will come at the end of the day from Gambaryan but to serve as a deterrent to others like Gambaryan in the society who think falsehood is a strategy of getting away with their crimes against our country and humanity.”
With the case now before the court, the next steps in this high-profile legal battle remain to be seen with much focus on how the news will be reported in Nigeria.
Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us
And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG
