US president Biden in 30 minutes phone call with Tinubu, expresses appreciation on Binance executive release

President Joe Biden of the United States, on Tuesday, conveyed his gratitude to Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu for the release of Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan.

The US President also assured Tinubu that the US was keen on securing permanent status for two African countries, including Nigeria, on the United Nations Security Council.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, revealed this while briefing State House Correspondents on the 30-minute voice call between both leaders.

“I have been directed by Mr President to brief you regarding his phone call with the US President Joseph Biden at about 4 pm today.

“The two leaders exchanged pleasantries and President Biden proceeded to thank President Tinubu for his partnership and Nigeria’s partnership and, in particular, for the collaboration between the two countries for the release of one of the suspects of the cryptocurrency exchange company that we’re all aware of,” Tuggar said.

Gambaryan left Nigeria after eight months of lawful detention, his family confirmed.

A statement from the family on Thursday, October 24, 2024, read, “Today, American citizen, Tigran Gambaryan, left Nigeria to return home to his family after eight months of unlawful detention.”

Gambaryan, a senior Binance executive, was detained in Nigeria in early 2024 during a crackdown on cryptocurrency activity by the government.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission filed money laundering charges against him, which Binance and Gambaryan have denied.

However, his extended detention drew international attention, as his health reportedly deteriorated while held at Kuje Prison.

US diplomats and lawmakers pushed for his release, emphasising his declining health and the need for transparent proceedings.

Despite repeated bail applications, he remained in custody for nearly eight months, raising diplomatic tensions between the US and Nigeria.

An Abuja Federal High Court, on October 23, 2024, discharged Gambaryan from the money laundering charges after the Federal Government, through the EFCC, withdrew the money laundering charges against him.

Binance executive Gambaryan departs Nigeria after eight months detention
Binance prosecution continues as court frees executive on health grounds
This followed diplomatic and public advocacy, enabling him to return to the US for urgent medical care.

Binance CEO, Richard Teng, expressed relief, highlighting Binance’s commitment to regulatory cooperation in Nigeria.

Responding to Biden, Tinubu thanked him and the US for the partnership and collaboration in numerous sectors, emphasising greater cooperation regarding security in West Africa.

Biden also affirmed that this partnership would continue as the “future of the world resides in Africa, which is why this partnership needs to continue.”

During the phone conversation, Biden also assured Tinubu that the US was keen on securing permanent status for two African countries, including Nigeria, on the United Nations Security Council.

Tuggar explained, “The two leaders also discussed the issue of the permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council.

“President Biden, once again, assured that the United States is committed to seeing Africa having two permanent seats.

“He also reiterated that he does not see any reason why one of those seats should not belong to Nigeria, given its position in Africa, its stature and its importance.”

Tinubu was quoted as also highlighting that Nigeria was committed to upholding the rule of law and followed established legal processes, which the US recognised and respected.

He also acknowledged the shared values between the two nations, noting Nigeria’s adoption of a government system inspired by the US model when it returned to constitutional democracy in 1999.

Both leaders were said to agree on the importance of legal frameworks and pledged ongoing collaboration in this area.

The conversation concluded with both sides expressing a commitment to maintaining communication even as President Biden’s term ends in January 2025.