U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his gratitude to Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu for the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a senior executive at Binance, during a phone call on Tuesday evening.
The conversation lasted about 30 minutes and was briefed to reporters by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar.
Tuggar shared that Biden thanked Tinubu for the partnership between the two countries, specifically regarding Gambaryan’s release. Gambaryan returned to the U.S. on Monday after spending eight months in detention in Nigeria.
Detained in early 2024 amid a crackdown on cryptocurrency by the Nigerian government, Gambaryan faced money laundering charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which both he and Binance denied.
His prolonged detention attracted international attention, particularly due to concerns over his declining health while imprisoned at Kuje Prison. Despite several bail applications, he remained in custody, straining diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Nigeria.
An Abuja Federal High Court eventually discharged Gambaryan from the charges, enabling him to seek urgent medical care upon his return home.
Following Gambaryan’s release, Binance CEO Richard Teng expressed relief and emphasized the company’s commitment to regulatory cooperation in Nigeria.
In response to Biden’s call, President Tinubu thanked him and the United States for their partnership and collaboration across various sectors, particularly in enhancing security in West Africa. Biden reiterated the importance of this partnership, stating, “The future of the world resides in Africa, which is why it is crucial for this partnership to continue.”
The leaders also discussed the possibility of securing permanent United Nations Security Council seats for African nations, including Nigeria. Biden reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Africa’s representation in the council, noting Nigeria’s significant position and stature on the continent.
Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and following established legal processes, which he stated the U.S. acknowledges and respects.
He highlighted the shared values between the two nations, particularly Nigeria’s governance system, which has been influenced by the U.S. model since its return to constitutional democracy in 1999.
The call concluded with both leaders agreeing on the importance of ongoing legal collaboration and maintaining communication, even as Biden’s term approaches its end in January 2025.