FG Confirms Binance Executive's Escape From Custody, Discloses How Absconder Left Nigeria
- Nigerian authorities have confirmed that a Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who was arrested in Abuja in February, has escaped the custody of the country’s security agents
- A statement by Zakari Mijinyawa, head of strategic communication in the office of the NSA, disclosed how Anjarwalla fled Nigeria
- The FG called on the public to provide information that can assist law enforcement agencies to re-arrest Anjarwalla
PAY ATTENTION: The 2024 Business Leaders Awards Present Entrepreneurs that Change Nigeria for the Better. Check out their Stories!
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public journalism and economic issues.
FCT, Abuja - The office of the national security adviser (NSA) has confirmed that Nadeem Anjarwalla, an alleged suspect in the ongoing probe into the activities of Binance in Nigeria escaped from detention.
Anjarwalla is one of the two Binance executives detained in Nigeria for alleged tax evasion and other offences.
Source: Twitter
Nigerian authorities confirmed he escaped on Friday, March 22.
PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Legit.ng News on your Facebook News Feed!
A statement on Monday, March 25, by Zakari Mijinyawa, head of strategic communication in the office of the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, said upon receiving the report, it took immediate steps.
The moves were reportedly taken in conjunction with relevant security agencies, MDAs, as well as the international community, to apprehend the Binance official.
The Nigerian government said Anjarwalla was scheduled to appear before the country's court on April 4, 2024.
Legit.ng understands that security agencies are working with Interpol for an international arrest warrant on the suspect.
The statement by Mijinyawa partly reads:
"Preliminary investigation shows that 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."
Tinubu's govt vs Binance
It would be recalled that the Bola Tinubu-led government has been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions allegedly perpetrated on the Binance currency exchange platform.
This led to a clampdown on the platform.
The statement by the NSA adds:
"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."
Analyst examines Binance executive's escape
Speaking on the saga, Segun Akinleye, a public affairs analyst, said the entire Binance drama resembles a plot from Nollywood.
According to him, what ensued after the FG invited Anjarwalla and his colleague "mirrors the long-standing Nigerian experience when the government decides to confront a citizen".
He told Legit.ng:
"To the most detrimental aspect of the saga: the escape of one of the executives. We've heard of criminals escaping police custody before, but someone escaping from an NSA facility? How is that even possible?
"This highlights the glaring weakness in the country's security apparatus. Regardless of how the government tries to spin this, it tarnishes the country’s image."
Akinleye explained that the incident underscores why the fight against terrorists persists.
He said:
"Someone, somewhere facilitated the escape of the Binance executive, and sadly, this is one of the reasons why we are not winning the war against terrorism."
Read more on Binance
- Nigerian crypto traders rush to Binance, trade N1.9bn in 24 hours as FG blocks platforms
- Dollar crashes against Naira on Binance as CBN orders BDCs to sell USD to Nigerians at cheap rate
- Binance issues warning to Nigerian users after FG threatened to block platform over FX manipulations
Sani reacts as detained crypto boss disappears
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a former federal lawmaker and social critic, Senator Shehu Sani, said if Anjarwalla is seen in a suit, “you cannot believe he can jump through the window and run”.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member shared his thoughts via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay Informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Legit.ng
