By Milcah Tanimu
The anticipated arraignment of Binance and its official, Tigran Gambaryan, at the Federal High Court in Abuja has been adjourned until April 8. The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, deferred the matter for ruling following discussions regarding the service of the charge on Binance Holdings Limited.
The proceedings were halted after objections raised by Mark Mordi, SAN, counsel for the second defendant, Tigran Gambaryan. Mordi argued against his client’s arraignment, citing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s failure to properly serve Binance Holdings Limited.
Mordi clarified that his client, Gambaryan, is neither an agent nor a representative of the company in Nigeria, thus making him ineligible for service on behalf of the first defendant.
However, the EFCC’s counsel, E.E. Iheanacho, countered Mordi’s stance, asserting that Gambaryan serves as a representative of Binance Holdings Limited in the country. Despite the service being rejected, Iheanacho urged the court to proceed with entering a plea of not guilty for the first defendant and continue with the legal proceedings.
The dispute regarding service has led to the postponement of the arraignment, with further details expected to emerge as the case progresses.
