Chronicles Reporters has obtained a legal suit filed by Barrister S. Ihensekhien, Esq., a distinguished human rights and digital lawyer from Pathlegal & Co Legal Practitioners, representing Hon. Philip Agbese, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives. The lawsuit targets Tigran Gambaryan, the Chief Compliance Officer at Binance, accusing him of defamation following a series of inflammatory statements made on social media that allegedly linked Hon. Agbese to a bribery scandal.
The lawsuit stems from public accusations made by Gambaryan, who, through his Twitter account, claimed that Agbese and two other Nigerian lawmakers had demanded a $150 million bribe from him during a 2024 meeting. Gambaryan’s statements, which were widely shared on various social media platforms, particularly by the popular blog Instablogja, suggested that the lawmakers sought the bribe in exchange for favorable treatment regarding Binance’s legal troubles in Nigeria. The allegations were subsequently covered by Nigerian news outlets, including Channels Television and Blueprint.
However, Hon. Agbese has vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that he was never involved in any such meeting or demand for a bribe. The lawmaker further clarified that he has no cryptocurrency accounts and has never engaged in any business involving cryptocurrency. According to Agbese, these defamatory claims have significantly damaged his personal and professional reputation.
Barrister S. Ihensekhien, the lead counsel representing Hon. Agbese, has expressed confidence in the legal standing of the case. In a statement to Chronicles Reporters, Ihensekhien confirmed that he has thoroughly reviewed the facts and provided legal advice based on the strength of Hon. Agbese’s position. “I have gone through the facts of this case, and on my honour, I have appropriately counseled Hon. Agbese regarding the merits of his claims,” said Ihensekhien. “Should this case turn out to be frivolous, I am prepared to take full responsibility as per the provisions of the rules of the court.”
This statement reflects Ihensekhien’s professional commitment to ensuring that his client’s legal rights are upheld, while also emphasizing the seriousness with which the case is being pursued.
In response to Gambaryan’s public accusations, Agbese has issued a series of clarifications. He unequivocally denied any involvement in the alleged bribery scheme, involving Binance or the alleged bribe.
Furthermore, Hon. Agbese has stated that he has never engaged in cryptocurrency transactions, emphasizing that the idea of a cryptocurrency-based bribe to a non-existent wallet is unfounded. The Nigerian lawmaker also condemned Gambaryan’s false claims as defamatory and damaging, and called for the Binance executive to retract his statements or face legal action.
In a move that further highlights the high-profile nature of the case, the Nigerian government has intervened to clarify the matter. On February 14, 2025, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation issued a statement rejecting Gambaryan’s allegations. The government emphasized that there was no evidence to support the claims and expressed concern about the spread of false information by Gambaryan, who had previously been detained in Nigeria for financial crimes linked to Binance.
The statement from the Nigerian government stressed the importance of setting the record straight to prevent the spread of falsehoods, noting that Gambaryan’s accusations were unsupported and misleading.
The case carries significant legal and diplomatic implications. Hon. Agbese’s legal team is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages for the harm caused to the lawmaker’s reputation. In addition to financial damages, the suit demands that Gambaryan issue a public apology and retract his defamatory statements. If Gambaryan is found liable, he could face substantial reputational and legal consequences, including the possibility of an international extradition case, given his status as a foreign national.
Moreover, the case brings attention to the growing issue of online defamation and the potential legal recourse available to those whose reputations are harmed by false information. This case may set a precedent for future legal actions related to online defamation, particularly concerning high-profile figures in the public and political spheres.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case will likely attract significant attention both in Nigeria and internationally. Hon. Agbese’s legal team is committed to holding Gambaryan accountable for his actions and securing justice for the damage done to the lawmaker’s reputation. For now, the focus is on the court’s ruling and whether Gambaryan will provide the necessary retraction or face further legal consequences for his public statements.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the power of social media and the lasting impact that online defamation can have on individuals’ lives and careers. It also underscores the need for accountability in the digital space, where misinformation can spread quickly and harm reputations on a global scale.
As the legal battle continues, all eyes will be on the court’s verdict and the potential repercussions for both the defendant and the wider discourse around defamation in the age of social media.