American lawyers have insisted on the hostage status of Binance Exec in Nigeria

A group of 18 US attorneys general, President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, have urged the release of Binance executive Tigran Gambia, who is currently in prison in Nigeria.

The Attorney General's request comes after Gambaria's trial in Nigeria was adjourned due to his ill health.

The United States Attorney General urged Biden to appoint Gambia as a hostage

In a letter dated Oct. 18, the group — led by Utah Attorney General Shane D. Reyes — called on President Biden and Secretary Blinken to officially designate Gambia as a hostage. Nigerian authorities argue that the arrest qualifies under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage Liability Act.

The lawyers expressed their concern over the deteriorating health of Gambia. Nigerian authorities say they are holding him in one of the most dangerous prisons in the country, where his life is at risk.

“Gambarian's life is in immediate danger. “During his imprisonment, his health deteriorated – he was denied treatment for several bouts of malaria and pneumonia, and an untreated herniated disc immobilized him,” he said.

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Reyes stressed the urgency of the matter, saying Nigerian authorities are illegally detaining Gambians in potentially deadly conditions. He called the issue more humanitarian and patriotic than political.

“In our roles as general lawyers, many of us have jurisdiction over criminal justice issues and are law enforcement leaders for our own communities. Tigran Gambarian is one of the heroes of our world,” Reyes added.

In particular, the coalition is concerned that the Nigerian authorities may use Gambia to put pressure on Binance. As a result, the attorney general urged the Biden administration to designate Gambarian as a hostage. According to them, this move will open up more diplomatic channels for resolution in Nigeria.

“The Levinson Act was designed specifically for cases in which US citizens have been illegally detained for political or financial gain. The situation in Tigray Gambarian fits this profile, and the time to act is now – before this illegal detention becomes a tragedy,” they wrote.

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This letter was sent after the High Court of Nigeria in Abuja adjourned Gambria's trial to October 25 after he failed to appear before the health court. His legal battle with Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) has been ongoing since his arrest in February. Gambarian charged with money laundering with Binance

Meanwhile, Binance maintained its willingness to cooperate with Nigeria but stressed that Gambia should be allowed back home. Gambrian's health has been rapidly deteriorating since his arrest; Reports indicate that he was now confined to a wheelchair with malaria, pneumonia, tonsillitis and a herniated disc.