Money laundering: American President calls Nigerian counterpart discusses released Binance executive
The United States of America (USA), President Joe Biden has called his Nigerian counterpart President Bola Tinubu on the phone on Tuesday to discuss the recent release of an American, Tigran Gambaryan who was detained and being tried in Nigeria on the cryptocurrency exchange company
Penpushing reports that Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, made this known to journalists while briefing them in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), explaining that the phone call lasted for about 30 minutes.
The Minister added that the two leaders in same vein discussed the ongoing partnerships between both countries and exchanged pleasantries, adding that Biden also thanked Tinubu for his administration partnership
Penpushing further reports that Tuggar added that during the phone conversation, Biden equally assured Tinubu that the America is keen on securing permanent status for two African countries, including Nigeria, on the United Nations Security Council.
“I have been directed by Mr President to brief you with regards to his phone call with US President Joseph Biden at about 4 pm today. The two leaders exchanged pleasantries and President Biden preceded to thank President Tinubu for his partnership and for Nigeria’s partnership in particular the collaboration between the two countries with regards to our law enforcement and law enforcement agencies as well as release of one of the suspects of the cryptocurrency exchange company (Binance)’, Tuggar stated
“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.
Penpushing also reports that he stated that Tinubu in same vein highlighted that Nigeria is committed to upholding the rule of law and follows established legal processes, which the America recognises and respects.
The Minister added that he pointed out the shared values between the two nations, noting Nigeria’s adoption of a government system inspired by the America model when it returned to constitutional democracy in 1999.
Penpushing reports that the Minister stated that both leaders agreed on the importance of legal frameworks and pledged ongoing collaboration in this area, adding that the conversation concluded with both sides expressing a commitment to maintaining communication even as Biden’s term ends in January 2025.
The Nigerian government it is recalled last week dropped all charges against Gambaryan, an executive at Binance Holdings, who was on trial for money laundering and currency speculations at the Federal High Court in Abuja, who was subsequently released and has returned to his country.
Penpushing further reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed money laundering charges against him, which Binance and Gambaryan have denied, while his extended detention drew international attention, as his health reportedly deteriorated while held at Kuje Prison.
The United States of America (USA). diplomats and lawmakers pushed for his release, emphasising both 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 America. and Nigeria.
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