The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has confirmed the escape of Nadeem Anjarwalla, a regional manager for cryptocurrency platform Binance, from lawful custody on Friday, March 22nd, 2024.
Anjarwalla was a suspect in an ongoing investigation into Binance’s activities in Nigeria. He was reportedly being held at a government guest house in Abuja when he managed to escape.
According to a statement issued by NSA spokesperson Zakari Mijinyawa on Monday, a preliminary investigation suggests Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.
The statement read, “The Office of the National Security Adviser confirms that Nadeem ANJARWALLA, a suspect in the ongoing criminal probe into the activities of Binance in Nigeria has escaped from lawful custody on Friday, March 22, 2024.
“Upon receiving this report, this office took immediate steps, in conjunction with relevant security agencies, MDAs, as well as the international community, to apprehend the suspect. Security agencies are working with Interpol for an international arrest warrant on the suspect.
“Preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.”
He noted that the investigation was ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding his escape.
“The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention.
“Recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria, like other governments around the world, has been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions perpetrated on the Binance currency exchange platform.
“Until his escape, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who holds British and Kenyan nationalities and serving as Binance’s Africa regional manager, was being tried by Nigerian courts. The suspect escaped while under a 14-day remand order by a court in Nigeria. He was scheduled to appear before the court again on 4 April 2024,” the statement added.
This incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of cryptocurrency operations in Nigeria. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) recently filed a four-count charge against Binance bordering on tax evasion.
The escape of a key figure in the investigation is likely to raise concerns about the effectiveness of Nigerian authorities. Binance has yet to comment on the situation.
