The Federal Government has confirmed the escape of Binance Executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, from custody.
He was detained in connection with alleged criminal activities of his company where he heads the African Regional Office following a court order.
A statement from the Office of the National Security Advisers said Anjarwalla, who holds British and Kenyan nationalities fled Nigeria with a smuggled passport.
The statement said investigations have been launched adding that Nigerian authorities are collaborating with the international community to arrest the fugitive. The personnel responsible for his custody have also been arrested according to the statement.
The Nigerian Government has been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions carried out on the Binance currency exchange platform.
Anjarwalla was undergoing trial before the courts in Nigeria before he escaped from the country on Friday.
“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 rom the NSA office said.
Read the full FG statement on the escape of Nadeem Anjarwalla below:
Press Statement tement
BINANCE EXECUTIVE, NADEEM ANJARWALLA, ESCAPES FROM LAWFUL CUSTODY WITH SMUGGLED PASSPORT
ABUJA , 25 March 2024 – 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, 22 March 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.
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.
We urge the Nigerian public and the international community to provide whatever information they have that can assist law enforcement agencies to apprehend the suspect.
Zakari U. Mijinyawa
Head – Strategic Communication
Office of the National Security Adviser
