NSA Confirms Escape Of Binance Executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla From Nigerian Custody

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has confirmed the escape of Binance’s regional manager for Africa, Nadeem Anjarwalla.

KanyiDaily had reported how Nadeem Anjarwalla absconded from the Abuja guest house where he and a colleague were detained on March 22.

Anjarwalla reportedly escaped after being escorted by guards to a nearby mosque for prayers during Ramadan fasting.

The Binance Executive is believed to have left Abuja via a Middle Eastern airline, raising questions about how he managed to board an international flight despite holding a British passport.

In a statement on Monday, the had of strategic communication at ONSA, Zakari Mijinyawa said a preliminary investigation revealed that Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.

Mijinyawa noted that the personnel responsible for Anjarwalla’s custody have been arrested, adding that investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of his escape.

“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,” the statement reads.

“Upon receiving the report, the Office of the NSA took immediate steps, in conjunction with relevant security agencies, MDAs, as well as the international community, to apprehend 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.”

“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.”

KanyiDaily recalls that Binance recently announced its decision to cease all services related to the Nigerian naira, following accusations of exploiting the currency and contributing to its depreciation.