NSA verifies Binance executive's departure from custody
The National Security Adviser's Office has officially stated that Nadeem Anjarwalla, the detained Binance executive, has fled custody. The ONSA announced on Monday that Anjarwalla, previously under investigation for involvement in Binance's activities, absconded on Friday.
According to a report by Premium Times, Anjarwalla escaped from custody on Friday.
Zakari Mijinyawa, the Head of Strategic Communication at ONSA, confirmed the incident in a statement, revealing that initial investigations indicated Anjarwalla left Nigeria using a smuggled passport.
He emphasized that ongoing efforts are being made to apprehend the suspect.
According to the statement, “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, March 22, 2024.
“Upon receiving this report, this office promptly initiated actions, collaborating with pertinent security agencies, MDAs, and the international community to track down the suspect. Security agencies are coordinating with Interpol to obtain an international arrest warrant for the suspect.
“Initial findings indicate that Mr. Anjarwalla departed Nigeria using a smuggled passport,” stated Mijinyawa.
Mijinyawa further mentioned that individuals accountable for Anjarwalla's custody have been apprehended.
He highlighted that investigations were ongoing to uncover the circumstances surrounding his escape.
“The individuals responsible for the custody of the suspect have been apprehended, and a comprehensive investigation is underway to understand the factors contributing to his departure from lawful detention.
“As the Federal Government of Nigeria, alongside other global counterparts, continues its probe into money laundering and terrorism financing transactions on the Binance currency exchange platform, it's pertinent to note that Nadeem Anjarwalla, a British and Kenyan national serving as Binance’s Africa regional manager, was undergoing trial in Nigerian courts until his escape. The suspect absconded while under a 14-day remand order issued by a Nigerian court, with his next court appearance scheduled for April 4, 2024,” the statement elaborated.
He appealed to Nigerians and the international community to provide any relevant information that could aid in the suspect's apprehension.
Mijinyawa emphasized, "We appeal to both the Nigerian public and the international community to provide any information they may possess that could aid law enforcement agencies in apprehending the suspect."
According to a report by the Financial Times dated February 28, two executives of the company were arrested and detained upon their arrival in the country due to a ban imposed on their website.
The Financial Times, on March 12, 2024, further reported that the EFCC had requested Binance to share data concerning its top 100 users in Nigeria, as well as the complete transaction history for the preceding six months.
The report indicates that this request is a focal point of negotiations
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