NSA Launches Global Manhunt As Binance Official Flees Custody

The Office of the National Security Adviser has called on the public and the international community to provide information that can assist law enforcement agencies in apprehending the Executive Manager of Binance for the African region, Mr Nadeem Anjarwalla, who escaped from detention.
Head of Strategic Communication, ONSA, Mr Zakari Mijinyawa, who made the call on Monday, said a manhunt had been launched for Anjarwalla’s re-arrest.
He said: “The Federal Government, 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 serves 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, and was scheduled to appear before the court again on April 4, 2024.
“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 escaped from lawful custody on Friday, March 22, 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 Nadeem Anjarwalla
“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.”
Reports said 38-year-old Anjarwalla, who was detained by Nigerian authorities on allegations of tax evasion and other charges, fled last Friday, from a guest house in Abuja where he and a colleague were being held when security personnel on duty allowed him to visit a nearby mosque for prayers in the spirit of the on-going Ramadan fast.
Anjarwalla, and Tigran Gambaryan, another Binance executive, were arrested and detained on their arrival in Nigeria on February 26, 2024, resulting in a series of legal actions against them and the cryptocurrency exchange.
The Briton, who also has Kenyan citizenship, is believed to have flown out of Abuja using a Middle East airliner.
Meanwhile, Binance has said it is aware that one of its two executives detained in Nigeria was no longer in Nigeria’s custody.
However, the company said it is more interested in their safety and is working closely with the Nigerian government towards resolving all issues.
A criminal charge had been filed against the two executives before a Magistrate Court in Abuja.
The charges were filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, according to the Special Adviser (Media) to the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Mr. Dare Adekanbi.
The lawsuit, designated as suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/115/2024, implicates Binance with a four-count tax evasion accusation.
On February 28, 2024, the court granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, an order to remand the duo for 14 days.
The court also ordered Binance to provide the Nigerian government with the data/information of Nigerians trading on its platform.
Following Binance’s refusal to comply with the order, the court extended the remand of the officials for an additional 14 days to prevent them from tampering with evidence. The court then adjourned the case till April 4, 2024.