9News Nigeria has obtained details of a high-profile lawsuit filed by Barrister S. Ihensekhien, Esq., a prominent human rights and digital lawyer from Pathlegal & Co Legal Practitioners. The case, brought forward by Hon. Philip Agbese, a Nigerian House of Representatives member, targets Binance’s Chief Compliance Officer, Tigran Gambaryan, over alleged defamatory statements linking the lawmaker to a $150 million bribery scandal.
The legal battle stems from Gambaryan’s social media posts, where he accused Agbese and two other Nigerian lawmakers of demanding a $150 million bribe in exchange for leniency over Binance’s legal troubles in Nigeria. The claims, widely circulated by blogs and news outlets, including Instablog9ja, Channels TV, and Blueprint, were swiftly refuted by Hon. Agbese, who insists he has no ties to cryptocurrency or any illicit dealings.
Barrister Ihensekhien, representing Agbese, has affirmed the legitimacy of the lawsuit, emphasizing the need for accountability. “I have reviewed the facts thoroughly, and I stand by this case. If it turns out to be frivolous, I will take full responsibility in line with court rules,” he stated.
In a move reinforcing Agbese’s position, the Nigerian government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, released an official statement on February 14, 2025, dismissing Gambaryan’s claims as baseless and misleading. The government further expressed concerns over the spread of false information by the Binance executive, who had previously been detained in Nigeria for financial crimes.
The lawsuit demands significant financial compensation for reputational damage, a public retraction, and an official apology from Gambaryan. If found liable, the Binance executive could face severe legal consequences, including potential extradition.
This case highlights the increasing legal scrutiny over online defamation, particularly against public officials. As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes remain on the courtroom, where the outcome could set a major precedent for digital accountability and misinformation in the social media age.
The case is with suit number fct/hc/cv/576/2025 filed before the Registry of maitama fct high court and awaiting assignment soonest.
Attached is the writ of summon:
