The National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu, has confirmed that Nadeem Anjarwalla, a central figure in the ongoing criminal investigation into Binance’s operations in Nigeria, has reportedly fled from custody.
Anjarwalla’s escape has prompted an intensive manhunt coordinated with Interpol to secure an international arrest warrant against him.
According to Ribadu, the suspect evaded Nigerian authorities using a smuggled passport, with security agencies now mobilized to apprehend him.
Reports had it that Anjarwalla, one of the two Binance executives detained in Nigeria for alleged tax evasion and other offences escaped from lawful custody on Friday, 22 March, from the Abuja guest house.
The circumstances surrounding Anjarwalla’s escape unfolded when guards escorting him allowed him to attend prayers at a nearby mosque, coinciding with the ongoing Ramadan fast.
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, 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.”
The Federal Government has been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions on the Binance currency exchange platform.
Anjarwalla, a dual British-Kenyan national and Binance Africa regional manager, was undergoing trial in Nigerian court until his escape.
Ribadu noted that the suspect absconded while under a 14-day remand order, with his next court appearance scheduled for April 4, 2024.
Ribadu urged both the Nigerian public and the international community to provide any relevant information to aid law enforcement agencies in locating and apprehending Anjarwalla, emphasizing the significance of cooperation in ensuring justice is served.
He added, “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.”
