Binance founder, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), has intensified global focus on Nigeria’s governance and security issues after accusing the Nigerian government of unlawfully detaining his former employee, Tigran Gambaryan, in what he described as a “kidnap-style” arrest.
Zhao’s statement comes in the wake of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s strongly-worded warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the alleged ongoing killings of Christians in Nigeria — a development that has already fueled international outrage and sparked geopolitical tensions.
In a post shared on social media, Zhao claimed Nigeria held former Binance compliance executive and ex-U.S. federal agent, Tigran Gambaryan, for eight months without legitimate grounds. “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 wrote, stressing that the detention was politically motivated and unjustified.
The comment follows growing criticism of Nigeria’s handling of high-profile detentions and legal proceedings, especially involving foreign nationals. Gambaryan’s ordeal — which stemmed from Nigeria’s 2024 investigation into Binance’s operations — drew intense diplomatic pressure from Washington and widespread condemnation from human-rights advocates before his eventual release.
Meanwhile, Trump’s remarks — warning that the United States might intervene if the Nigerian government fails to protect Christian communities — have further amplified scrutiny on the Tinubu administration, escalating conversations around religious violence, governance transparency, and international diplomacy.
[/p]With Zhao’s explosive claim now circulating globally, analysts suggest the development could complicate Nigeria’s international relations, spotlight its justice system, and further shape global opinion on how the government handles corporate disputes, civil liberties, and human-rights concerns.
As backlash builds, many observers are watching closely to see whether the Nigerian government will respond directly to Zhao's accusation and Trump's warning — or remain silent amid rising international pressure.