The detention of Nadeem Anjarwalla, one of Binance’s executives, was confirmed to have resulted in his escape by the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu on Monday. It was also revealed by the NSA that the officer responsible for the custody of the Binance executive who escaped has been detained for questioning. In a press statement signed by Zakari U. Mijinyawa, Head of Strategic Communication, Office of the NSA, it was disclosed that the suspect flew out of the country with a smuggled passport. The NSA Office responded by taking prompt action, collaborating with relevant security agencies, MDAs, and the international community after being informed of the situation. It was further stated that security services are working with Interpol to obtain an international arrest warrant for the suspect.
The statement continued: “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.”