The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) says one of the Binance Executives in its custody, Nadeem Anjarwalla escaped from Nigeria using a smuggled passport.
A statement from Zakari U. Mijinyawa, Head, Strategic Communication of ONSA, on Monday confirmed that Anjarwalla, a suspect in the ongoing criminal probe into the activities of Binance in Nigeria had escaped from lawful custody on Friday, 22 March, 2024.
The statement sad upon receiving this report, the office took immediate steps, in conjunction with relevant security agencies , MDAs, as well as the international community, to apprehend the suspect.
It said security agencies were 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,” ONSA said.
The Alarmee recalled 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,” the office said.