The delayed arraignment of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan in an Abuja court highlights the need for transparency in complex financial proceedings.
As Gambaryan’s counsel rightly pointed out, defendants must be informed of charges against them to adequately prepare defense. The FIRS explanation of difficulties serving the recently detained executive warrants scrutiny.
All parties deserve understanding of accusations in line with due process. With Nadeem Anjarwalla already having fled, Gambaryan now deserves fair chance to address the tax-dodging allegations leveled at Binance Holdings Limited.
These include failure to register for tax payments and not issuing proper invoices for VAT assessments—both serious charges if substantiated. Yet proper handling of legal technicalities remains paramount, even in high-stakes cases involving big industry names.
Moving forward, transparency must be prioritized. From full disclosure of evidence to unimpeded defendant participation, only an open and accountable process will satisfy expectations of justice.
The complex tax compliance issues this matter raises in Nigeria’s advancing cryptocurrency landscape also warrant considered evaluation and stakeholder input. As the case develops further, close observation from industry and public alike remains warranted.
In setting an important precedent, the court now bears a responsibility to safeguard not just the FIRS allegations but the rights of all parties involved. Only then can this matter’s outcome garner broad acceptance and help optimize policies around burgeoning financial technologies.
