A diplomatic controversy has emerged following allegations by Tigran Gambaryan, a former U.S. federal agent and Binance executive, who accused Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, of corruption and abuse of power. Gambaryan, who was detained in Nigeria for eight months on money laundering charges before being released in October 2024, claims Ribadu sought billions in payouts to fund his political ambitions.
The U.S. national alleged that Ribadu’s mishandling of negotiations not only prolonged his detention but also strained diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States. According to him, the NSA exceeded his authority, embarrassing Nigeria before former U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. The fallout, he claimed, resulted in the U.S. imposing visa restrictions on Nigeria’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly and then-President Joe Biden refusing to meet with President Bola Tinubu until the issue was resolved.
Gambaryan further disclosed that Ribadu hired a U.S. law firm to facilitate his release, but the firm’s incompetence and greed undermined the effort. He alleged that the Nigerian official had expected a lucrative settlement, stating, “Ribadu emphasized that he wanted billions in payouts to fund his future political ambition.” However, once the corruption scandal became public, he suggested Ribadu was “trapped—because any settlement would now be perceived as a bribe. I guess he really wanted his boss’ job.”
His ordeal began in early 2024 when he traveled to Nigeria to engage with the government on regulatory concerns involving Binance. During the visit, both he and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were arrested on allegations of money laundering and tax evasion. Anjarwalla later escaped custody, but Gambaryan remained in detention at Kuje Prison under harsh conditions, facing significant health challenges.
A Nigerian court eventually discharged him on health grounds after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) informed the judge that his deteriorating condition prevented further legal proceedings. Official reports indicated that Gambaryan required a wheelchair due to his worsening health.
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In a statement posted on his X account, he condemned Ribadu’s actions, arguing that the NSA had miscalculated his influence and caused an international incident. “They thought they could secure a quick win, but instead, they created an international scandal, exposing his incompetence on a global scale,” he remarked. He also criticized Nigeria’s leadership, stating, “It’s a shame that these muppets are in charge.”
Additionally, Gambaryan revealed that Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) played a role in the House of Representatives’ involvement in the matter. His release in late 2024 followed diplomatic interventions from the U.S. government, bringing an end to his prolonged incarceration.
