Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, declared on Monday that there is no refuge for Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance Director who absconded from detention and fled Nigeria after being apprehended by the government. Idris stated that Interpol is actively pursuing Anjarwalla.
Idris responded to Anjarwalla’s departure from Nigeria, highlighting that due to Binance’s global presence, apprehending the perpetrator is inevitable. This statement follows shortly after the National Security Adviser’s Office confirmed Anjarwalla’s escape from lawful custody on March 22nd, 2024.
In an official communication, Zakari Mijinyawa, Head of Strategic Communication for the Office of the National Security Adviser, disclosed ongoing collaborative efforts between Nigerian authorities, international partners, and security agencies to swiftly locate and detain Anjarwalla. It was revealed that Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport, prompting authorities to engage Interpol for an international arrest warrant.
The custodial personnel responsible for Anjarwalla’s detention have been apprehended, and investigations are underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding his escape. The Nigerian government, like others worldwide, has been probing money laundering and terrorism financing activities on the Binance platform.
Anjarwalla, a British and Kenyan national serving as Binance’s Africa regional manager, was facing trial in Nigerian courts and was under a 14-day remand order before his escape. His court appearance, initially scheduled for April 4th, 2024, has been disrupted by his flight.