NSA confirms escape of Binance executive, Anjarwalla from prison custody

Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has confirmed the escape from prison custody of Nadeem Anjarwalla, a suspect in the ongoing criminal probe into the activities of Binance in Nigeria has escaped from lawful custody, last Friday.

Nadeem Anjarwalla

According to the ONSA, the agency has already taken steps in conjunction with other relevant security agencies in the country to apprehend the fugitive.

ONSA also disclosed that the suspect escaped from Nigeria ‘using a smuggled passport,’ as further urged the ‘Nigerian public and the international community to provide whatever information they have that can assist law enforcement agencies 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.

“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,” read the statement signed by ONSA spokesperson, Zakari U. Mijinyawa, Monday.