Donald Trump’s fiery threat to “go in guns-a-blazing” against Nigeria over alleged Christian persecution has triggered a diplomatic uproar, and unexpectedly pulled Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) into the crossfire.
The controversy revives old tensions surrounding the detention of former Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, deepening scrutiny of both US–Nigeria relations and the growing geopolitical footprint of crypto.
Trump’s Ultimatum Sparks Global Attention
Trump declared on Truth Social that the US would “immediately stop all aid and assistance” to Nigeria. He indicated potential military action if “killings of Christians” continued.
The president also claimed to have instructed the “Department of War” to prepare for a “fast, vicious, and sweet” strike. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth endorsed the warning, amplifying Trump’s ultimatum.
The situation escalated further when CZ referenced Binance’s past conflict with Nigeria, reigniting a year-old diplomatic and legal wound.
CZ Revives Gambaryan Case, Then Deletes His Post
Changpeng Zhao alleged Nigeria “kidnapped” Gambaryan, who was detained for eight months in 2024 during an investigation into Binance’s operations.
“Nigeria also basically kidnapped Tigran Gambaryan, an ex-Binance employee and an ex-US federal agent, for 8 months without cause a year ago,” wrote CZ.
Gambaryan, a US citizen and Binance’s former compliance head, was arrested on February 26, 2024, along with colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla during an investigation into Binance’s operations in Nigeria.
Anjarwalla escaped custody weeks later, while Gambaryan remained in Kuje Prison facing money laundering and tax-related allegations.
The case drew international attention after 18 US attorneys general urged the White House to classify Gambaryan as a hostage. Nigeria denied any mistreatment, saying he received medical care, due process, and consular access.
Following negotiations between Abuja and Washington, charges were dropped in October 2024 on humanitarian grounds. Nigeria and Binance agreed that Gambaryan bore no personal liability, though the exchange still faces pending tax evasion charges.
Zhao’s post went viral before he removed it amid backlash from Nigerians who said his comments misrepresented their legal system.
Nigerians Push Back, Defend Legal Sovereignty
Several Nigerian voices pushed back against claims of kidnapping or hostage taking. One user countered Zhao, stressing Nigeria’s right to enforce laws and protect its economy under judicial oversight.
“Nigeria did not kidnap anyone. The government lawfully arrested and investigated a Binance representative based on credible allegations. Every sovereign nation has the right to enforce its laws and protect its economy…Calling a lawful arrest ‘kidnapping’ is misleading and disrespectful to Nigeria’s legal system,” the user wrote.
Others pointed out that citizens, not the government, had campaigned online for Gambaryan’s release during his detention, distancing the Nigerian public from state actions.
Another respondent argued that “just as the United States created Binance.US to comply with its laws, Nigeria reserves the right to enforce compliance within its jurisdiction.”
Meanwhile, Gambaryan himself reignited the controversy by alleging Nigerian officials “extorted the Biden administration out of $50 million” to secure his release, calling the government a “lawless regime.”
The convergence of Trump’s militant rhetoric, Binance’s lingering legal issues, and Gambaryan’s lawsuit has placed Nigeria at the center of a global storm, one where crypto, politics, and diplomacy collide.
Nigeria remains a critical market for crypto adoption in Africa despite past friction with global exchanges. In 2024, Binance suspended naira trading after facing regulatory crackdowns and accusations of capital flight.
Binance’s lingering tax cases and Gambaryan’s $70 million lawsuit could further test its relations with Nigeria.
