The Office of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (ONSA) has officially confirmed the escape of Nadeem Anjarwalla, the Binance regional manager for Africa, from custody in Nigeria.
In a statement released by Zakari Mijinyawa, head of strategic communication at ONSA, it was disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed Mr. Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.
The statement emphasized, “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.”
Reports emerged on Monday, originating from Premium Times, revealing that the Binance executive had absconded from the Abuja guest house where he and his colleague were being detained, on March 22. According to the report, Anjarwalla managed to flee after guards on duty escorted him to a nearby mosque for prayers during the ongoing Ramadan fast.
The statement added, “The preliminary investigation shows that Mr. Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.” This revelation underscores the severity of the breach in security protocols surrounding Anjarwalla’s detention.
Despite possessing a British passport, Anjarwalla’s method of boarding an international flight via a Middle Eastern airline remains unclear, adding further mystery to his escape.
The statement read, “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,” the statement added.
“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.”
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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