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The highly anticipated arraignment of Binance Holdings Limited and one of its Senior Executives, Tigray Gambaryan, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, hit a snag as proceedings were adjourned due to issues surrounding service of the charge to the defendants.

At the day’s session, Tigray Gambaryan’s counsel, Tonye Krukrubo, informed the court that his client had not been served with the charge by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), leaving him unaware of the allegations against him. The defense raised concerns about the defendant’s lack of knowledge regarding the charges, prompting the court’s attention.

In response, counsel for the FIRS cited difficulties in serving Gambaryan, who has reportedly been in custody. They requested the court’s permission to serve the defendant in court, a request which was granted by the presiding judge.

Meanwhile, the prosecution sought an adjournment to allow the defendant adequate time to review the charges and prepare to enter a plea. Justice Emeka Nwite subsequently adjourned the case until April 19th for arraignment in the FIRS suit.

In a separate suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a similar scenario unfolded as the case against Binance Holdings Limited was also adjourned. The EFCC filed five counts related to money laundering and corruption, but the defendant’s lawyer argued that service had not been properly effected on Binance, the first defendant.

Justice Nwite, presiding over the EFCC suit, scheduled a ruling for April 8th to determine whether the arraignment could proceed in the absence of proof of service to Binance.