In a stunning revelation that underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to fighting corruption, the Federal Government has disclosed that it rejected a $5 million bribe offer from global cryptocurrency giant, Binance, to secure the release of its detained executive, Tigran Gambaryan. Naija247news gathered that the shocking disclosure was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing in Abuja.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, Gambaryan, a compliance officer with Binance, was detained in Nigeria as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial improprieties and regulatory violations by the cryptocurrency platform. The government has accused Binance of facilitating illegal transactions and undermining Nigeria’s financial system.
Naija247news understands that the $5 million bribe was allegedly offered to high-ranking government officials in an attempt to influence the case and secure Gambaryan’s release. However, the offer was swiftly rejected, with the government vowing to uphold the rule of law. “This administration will not be swayed by monetary inducements. We are committed to transparency and accountability,” Alhaji Idris stated during the briefing.
The revelation has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians applauding the government’s stance against corruption. “This is a clear message that Nigeria will not tolerate attempts to compromise its institutions,” said a civil society activist in an interview with Naija247news.
However, the incident has also raised questions about the operations of cryptocurrency platforms in Nigeria. Naija247news reports that Binance has been under scrutiny in several countries for alleged regulatory violations, and this latest development has further tarnished its reputation.
Meanwhile, legal experts have called for a thorough investigation into the matter. “The allegations are serious and must be addressed through due process. Both Binance and the detained executive must be given a fair hearing,” said a senior lawyer in a statement to Naija247news.
As the case unfolds, the Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrency operations in the country. According to Naija247news, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are working on new guidelines to ensure compliance and protect the financial system.
The rejection of the $5 million bribe has not only highlighted the government’s anti-corruption stance but also underscored the need for stricter oversight of digital financial platforms.
