Tigran Gambaryan’s bribery claims against Nigerian officials have been denied by the Federal Government, which labeled them as baseless and lacking credibility. Information Minister Mohammed Idris highlighted the government’s rejection of a bribe from Binance and confirmed that the allegations stem from Gambaryan’s attempts to discredit the legal process following his charges in Nigeria. The government is prepared to address these claims through the judicial system.
The Nigerian Federal Government has reacted to Tigran Gambaryan’s bribery accusations, labeling them as baseless and lacking credibility. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the allegations as outrageous misinformation, urging Nigerians to ignore them. Gambaryan, a Binance representative, had claimed that some government officials solicited bribes amid his recent legal challenges in Nigeria.
Idris clarified that the government had turned down a $5 million bribe offer from Binance in exchange for Gambaryan’s release, opting instead for a resolution that brought benefits for Nigeria through diplomatic negotiations with the U.S. He emphasized the Nigerian government’s reluctance to engage with Gambaryan following diplomatic interventions that resolved his case.
The Minister noted that Gambaryan’s initial visit to Nigeria was voluntary and not sanctioned by the government. Following concerns over bribery allegations during this visit, an investigation was promptly initiated despite the absence of formal complaints at that time. Gambaryan’s follow-up trip was part of a broader investigation into financial misconduct linked to Binance’s operations in Nigeria.
Idris confirmed that Gambaryan’s release in October 2024 was granted on humanitarian grounds, following fruitful diplomatic discussions benefiting Nigeria. He firmly denied Gambaryan’s retaliatory claims against officials involved in his case, labeling them as unfounded and motivated by a desire to discredit the justice process.
The government is confident in the judicial systems of both Nigeria and the U.S. to provide a platform for Gambaryan to substantiate his claims in court. Until such proceedings, the Minister advised the public to exercise caution and skepticism regarding Gambaryan’s accusations, which he characterized as malicious and unproven.
In summary, the Federal Government of Nigeria has categorically rejected Tigran Gambaryan’s bribery claims, asserting they are unfounded and lack credibility. Key government officials emphasized their commitment to upholding the judicial process while advising the public to be cautious about these allegations. The government’s past interactions with Gambaryan and the circumstances surrounding his legal issues are significant points of their rebuttal.
Original Source: businessday.ng
