The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) confirmed on Monday that Nadeem Anjarwalla, a suspect implicated in the ongoing criminal investigation surrounding Binance’s activities in the country, managed to escape lawful custody through the use of a smuggled passport.
This disclosure came from Zakari U. Mijinyawa, Head of Strategic Communication at the Office of the National Security Adviser, via a press release.
Zakari U. Mijinyawa, Head of Strategic Communication at the Office of the National Security Adviser, disclosed that authorities have apprehended the personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect. Currently, they are conducting an exhaustive investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding his escape from lawful detention.
Upon receiving the report, this office took immediate measures, collaborating with relevant security agencies, government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as the international community, to locate and apprehend the suspect. Security agencies are actively cooperating with Interpol to secure an international arrest warrant for the suspect.
Preliminary findings indicate that Mr. Anjarwalla fled Nigeria utilizing a passport obtained through illegal means.
It’s important to note that the Federal Government of Nigeria, alongside other governments worldwide, has been conducting investigations into money laundering and terrorism financing activities conducted through the Binance cryptocurrency exchange platform.
Until his escape, Nadeem Anjarwalla, holding British and Kenyan nationalities and serving as Binance’s Africa regional manager, was undergoing trial in Nigerian courts. The suspect absconded while a Nigerian court had issued a 14-day remand order against him.His next court appearance was scheduled for April 4, 2024.
We call upon the Nigerian populace and the international community to provide any information they may possess that could aid law enforcement agencies in the apprehension of the suspect.
