A federal high court in Abuja has issued an arrest warrant against Dr. Abraham Ehizojie, a medical doctor at the health facility in Kuje Correctional Centre, for failing to produce the medical report of Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Ltd.
Gambaryan collapsed in court on May 23 due to health issues. His legal team raised concerns on May 27 that he might deteriorate in Kuje prison if not properly attended to. Mark Mordi, Gambaryan’s counsel, requested the court to summon the Kuje prison doctor to explain why he hadn’t released the defendant’s medical report despite a court order.
On July 5, the judge instructed the prison management to provide Gambaryan’s medical certificate by July 16. However, at the hearing on Tuesday, Mordi informed the court that the order had not been obeyed.
Judge Emeke Nwite queried a prison official about the situation when Gambaryan was brought to court. The official reported delivering the order to the doctor on July 9 but noted the doctor’s absence in court.
Ekene Iheanacho, counsel for the EFCC, also expressed disappointment at the doctor’s absence. Consequently, Mordi requested the judge to issue a bench warrant against the medical officer to ensure his appearance at the next hearing.
Mordi further urged the court to order Gambaryan’s immediate placement on hospital remand for a comprehensive medical assessment due to his deteriorating health condition. He emphasized the urgency of safeguarding Gambaryan’s life, given his current state.
While Iheanacho acknowledged the need for Gambaryan to receive adequate medical attention, he opposed the proposal to place him on hospital remand.
After hearing both arguments, Judge Nwite criticized the prison’s non-compliance with the court order, describing it as unfortunate. He issued a bench warrant for the Kuje Correctional Service medical doctor to appear before the court.
Additionally, the judge ordered that Gambaryan be taken to Nizamiye Hospital for medical care, with full security surveillance at any time of his choosing. The case was adjourned until October 11 and 18 for the continuation of the trial.
In April, the EFCC charged Binance Holdings Ltd. and Gambaryan with five counts of money laundering.
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