Nigerian government confirms escape of detained Binance official
The Nigerian government has confirmed the escape of one of the officials of Binance, Nadeem Anjarwalla, a suspect in the ongoing criminal investigation into the activities of cryptocurrency exchange firm in the country.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu declared that the on-the-run official of Binance fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.
He noted that security agencies are working with Interpol for an international arrest warrant on the suspect.
In a statement signed by Head of Strategic Communications, Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari Mijinyawa, the NSA said the personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested.
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 Nigerian government charged the duo for tax evasion among several others.
The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government had alleged that some individuals are using Binance for money laundering, terrorist financing, currency speculation and market manipulation, distorting the Nigerian economy and weakening the Naira against other currencies.
It added that over $21.6 billion was traded by Nigerians whose identities were protected by Binance.
