Author: Opalim Lifted

Tigran Gambaryan, ex-Binance financial crime compliance officer, exits crypto firm after Nigeria detention and dropped EFCC money laundering charges.

Tigran Gambaryan, the Binance executive, insists Nigerian officials demanded bribe from him despite the denial of the federal government. Gambaryan, who serves as Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, was detained in Nigeria from February to October 2024. According to the federal government, his arrest was part of a broader investigation into alleged money laundering and economic destabilisation attributed to Binance’s activities in Nigeria. Recounting his experience in a post on , Gambaryan alleged that certain Nigerian lawmakers demanded substantial bribes in cryptocurrency. He accused three lawmakers of soliciting a $150 million bribe. Additionally, he claimed that Nuhu Ribadu, the…

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Oladapo Aborowa lauds NSCDC as champions of national security, public safety

In a world filled with uncertainty, Oladapo Aborowa said that one security agency has consistently demonstrated its commitment to protecting lives and property, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). As we go about our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the selfless efforts of the NSCDC personnel who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our safety. Since its inception, the NSCDC has been at the forefront of national security, providing critical support to the military, police, and other security agencies. From counter-terrorism operations to disaster response, the corps has consistently demonstrated its versatility and bravery. A statement…

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FG to revolution tourism hospitality education in Nigerian varsities

The federal government has initiated a plan to revolutionise tourism and hospitality education at Nigerian universities. The initiative was led by Dr. Abisoye Fagade, Director-General/CEO of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), in collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC), as both institutions agreed to align university programs with global industry standards. The NUC said it strongly supports the initiative, emphasising the need for standardised training, certification, and industry relevance in Nigeria’s growing touristry sector. Both NIHOTOUR and NUC agreed to collaborate on key areas of accreditation and curriculum development, certification and licensing of university graduates, continuous professional…

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'it’s unrealistic', Tinubu can’t end insecurity - Philip Agbese

Philip Agbese, a member of the house of representatives, has denied a bribery allegation against him by Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Limited. In a post published on X on Friday, Gambaryan recounted his experiences in the hands of some Nigerian lawmakers. Gambaryan claimed three lawmakers, including Peter Akpanke, and Philip Agbese demanded a $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency payment into their personal wallets. Gambaryan was detained by the Nigerian government from February 2024 to October 2024 over the activities of Binance in the country. The house of representatives committee on financial crimes also investigated the cryptocurrency firm.…

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Mohammed Idris says Tinubu’s hard decisions beginning to bear fruit

The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed bribery allegations by Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Limited, as false and unsubstantiated. In a post published on X on Friday, Gambaryan recounted his experiences in the hands of the Nigerian government and some lawmakers. Gambaryan claimed three lawmakers, including Peter Akpanke and Philip Agbese, demanded a $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency payment into their wallets. He also alleged that Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), demanded “billions in payouts from Binance for political ambition”. Gambaryan was detained by the Nigerian government from February 2024 to October 2024 over the…

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I won’t join issues with El-Rufai – Nuhu Ribadu

Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Limited, has alleged that Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), demanded huge sums in bribe money to settle the dispute between the cryptocurrency firm and the federal government. In a post published on Friday, Gambaryan alleged that Ribadu said “he wanted billions in payouts to fund his future political ambition”. In 2024, the federal government accused Binance of manipulating FX rates in Nigeria and destroying the country’s economy. Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance regional manager for Africa, were arrested in February 2024 when they visited Nigeria for a meeting with government officials. Both…

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Brighton thrash Chelsea 3-0 Kaoru Mitoma

Kaoru Mitoma scored a superb opener as Brighton loosened Chelsea’s grip on a place in the top four of the Premier League with their second victory over the Blues inside a week. The result means the Seagulls, who also knocked Enzo Maresca’s side out of the FA Cup last Saturday, move up to eighth in the table, four points adrift of Manchester City in fifth. City, Newcastle and Bournemouth, who all have a game in hand, have the opportunity to leapfrog Chelsea if they win on Saturday. Japan forward Mitoma set the hosts on their way, superbly controlling goalkeeper Bart…

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Binance's Gambaryan reveals how three lawmakers demanded $150m bribe during dispute with Nigeria

Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Limited, has accused three federal lawmakers of demanding $150 million bribe during the conflict between Nigeria and the cryptocurrency firm. Gambaryan alleged that the legislators demanded that the kickback be paid into their personal digital wallets. The executive was detained by the Nigerian government from February 2024 to October 2024 over the activities of Binance in the country. Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance regional manager for Africa, were arrested in Nigeria in February 2024. The federal government had accused the cryptocurrency firm of manipulating FX rates in Nigeria and destroying the country’s economy.…

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UNIZIK student dies after jumping from three-storey building

The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, have expelled a student, Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious, over her assault on a lecturer from the Department of Theatre and Film Studies In an official expulsion letter dated February 13, 2025, and signed by the Acting Registrar, Mr. Victor I. Modebelu, the university stated that the decision followed the recommendation of the Student Disciplinary Committee, which found the student’s actions to be a gross violation of the institution’s disciplinary regulations, specifically Regulation 4 (SDR). The incident, which gained widespread attention after a video surfaced online, reportedly involved Precious attacking the lecturer identified…

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Adebanjo: Obasanjo, Osinbajo, govs, others bid late Afenifere leader farewell

Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a foremost nationalist, elder statesman has died at the age of 96. He passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, February 14, 2025, at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State. The family confirmed his passing in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday. “He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos Nigeria home at the age of 96,” the statement read. Adebanjo, a distinguished lawyer, former organising secretary of the Action Group, and the national leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy…

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