Binance founder, Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has drawn global attention to Nigeria’s insecurity, accusing the government of kidnapping his former employee, Tigran Gambaryan amid rising tensions with the United States over Christians attack.
Zhao’s remarks came shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a fiery warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the alleged killing of Christians in Nigeria.
“Nigeria also basically kidnapped Tigran Gambaryan, an ex-Binance employee and an ex-U.S. federal agent, for eight months without cause a year ago,” Zhao said.
The timing of both statements has drawn renewed scrutiny to Nigeria’s governance and its image on the global stage. Trump warned that if nothing is done to stop the violence, the U.S. government could intervene.
Zhao, who stepped down as Binance CEO in 2023 but remains a prominent figure in the global crypto industry, accused Nigeria of unlawfully detaining Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and former federal agent, during a 2024 investigation into Binance’s operations in the country.
Gambaryan’s eventual release followed months of diplomatic pressure and widespread international criticism.
The combined weight of Zhao’s accusations and Trump’s warning has reignited global debate about corruption, justice, and the protection of human rights in the country.
