An executive of cryptocurrency platform, Binance, Nadeem Anjarwalla, has escaped from custody, according to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
He is under suspicion in the Federal Government’s ongoing investigation into Binance’s operations in Nigeria. However, according to a statement by spokesperson Zakari Mijinyawa from the NSA office, he fled from custody on Friday.
“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 NSA Office said.
Upon receiving the report, the Office of the NSA promptly initiated actions in collaboration with pertinent security agencies, government ministries, departments, and the international community to apprehend the suspect.
“Preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport,” it said.
“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.”
Before his escape, Anjarwalla, who holds citizenship in both Britain and Kenya, and serves as Binance’s Africa Regional Manager, was undergoing trial in Nigerian courts.
The individual fled while under a 14-day remand order by the court. His next appearance before the court was slated for April 4, 2024.