Lawmaker Warns of Strain on Nigeria-US Relations Over Ongoing Detention of Binance Executive

US Representative James Hill (R-AR) has expressed worries that the continued arrest of Tigran Gambaryan, the executive director of Binance, in Nigeria may endanger the two countries’ bilateral relations.

“I’m surprised Nigeria, a country considered a friend to America, is holding a US citizen in detention over a matter he’s not directly involved in,” stated Hill in a statement posted on his verified X (previously Twitter) page. I implore President Biden to exert further pressure on his release.”

Emphasizing Gambaryan’s contributions to the fight against cybercrime, Hill—who is the vice chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and the chairman of the subcommittee that oversees digital assets and financial technology—said, “Since Tigran has helped America bust many cybercrime rings, it’s time to return the favor.”

The legislator steps in as calls for Gambaryan’s immediate release are growing in number and his case continues to garner attention. The interaction between Hill and US Under Secretary for Management, John Bass, highlights the rising anxiety among US officials.

“In this administration, we have seen a lot of action on Americans who are wrongfully detained abroad, and they frequently get a designation,” Hill questioned Bass in a video interview that was uploaded on his verified X Twitter. But all of a sudden, in the midst of this personal tragedy, a nation like Nigeria—which we removed from the Biden administration’s list of countries with respect to concerns of religious freedom—signs a commercial and investment agreement while holding an American citizen indefinitely. What do you believe is the biggest obstacle to Gambaryan returning to his family?”

“The response of the government is embarrassing in Nigeria and I think while our Ambassador is doing his best on the ground there, we need to press harder,” he said in reference to the government’s handling of the situation. The president must get involved in this. This is incorrect. We are witnessing Tigran Gambaryan’s health deteriorate, and this is not in any way related to him.”