US President Joe Biden has confirmed talks with his Nigerian counterpart, President Bola Tinubu, on a US-Nigeria partnership aimed at promoting prosperity.
In one statement From the White House, Biden on Tuesday also expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s leadership in securing the release, on humanitarian grounds, of US citizen and former US law enforcement officer Tigran Gambaryan last week.
Nairametry earlier reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja had acquitted Binance director Tigran Gambaryan of money laundering charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
US-Nigeria Partnership and Cryptocurrency
In a speech delivered by the US government, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. began by offering his condolences to President Tinubu over the recent floods that hit northeastern Nigeria.
He also expressed his “appreciation” for President Tinubu’s role in facilitating Gambaryan’s release.
Biden took the opportunity to discuss how the US and Nigeria can promote prosperity by leveraging new technologies related to cryptocurrency.
The statement added:
“The two leaders also discussed the value of the US-Nigeria partnership in addressing global challenges and advancing security and prosperity across multiple sectors.
“President Biden expressed particular appreciation for law enforcement cooperation, including through the recently announced Bilateral Liaison Group on Illicit Finance and Cryptocurrencies, cooperation on new and innovative technologies, and shared interests in reforming international organizations to reflect African voices.”
Biden assured Tinubu of the United States’ commitment to addressing global issues through bilateral relations.
What you need to know
The statement comes amid the Nigerian government’s crackdown on illegal cryptocurrency trading in Nigeria.
- While some Nigerian crypto companies have been sued, several have returned more than $160 million to public coffers, admitting violations of Nigerian banking laws.
- Gambaryan and Binance were accused by the Nigerian government of alleged money laundering and foreign exchange violations through their cryptocurrency platform.
- Judge Emeka Nwite of the court last Wednesday dismissed Gambaryan on health grounds as confirmed by the EFCC.
- The Commission cited a report from the Nigerian Correctional Service, provided through the Office of the National Security Advisor (NSA), which found that Gambaryan’s health had deteriorated to the point that he could barely walk unassisted, among other health problems.
The EFCC also presented in court critical diplomatic and international meetings involving the Nigerian government and its US counterpart, stating that the Federal Government had decided to drop charges against Gambaryan.
On October 23, 2024, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to a close partnership with Nigeria. The U.S. Department of Justice will continue to coordinate with the Nigerian government to strengthen its capacity to pursue cybercrime investigations and prosecutions.
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