The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an international manhunt after one of the detained executives of the global cryptocurrency firm, Binance, made a daring escape from custody.
Nadeem Anjarwalla, a key figure in the ongoing investigation into Binance’s activities in Nigeria, managed to flee from lawful detention, leaving authorities scrambling to track him down.
Anjarwalla, who holds both British and Kenyan nationalities, used a Kenyan passport to facilitate his escape, raising questions about the security measures in place. Reports indicate that he fled from Abuja via a Middle Eastern airliner, evading the grasp of Nigerian authorities.
The escape has sent shockwaves through security agencies, particularly as Anjarwalla was being held in a ‘safe house’ guarded by soldiers. The revelation that he managed to slip away despite the presence of armed guards has sparked a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Efforts to locate Anjarwalla have been intensified, with the Federal Government enlisting the support of the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to issue an international arrest warrant. The Office of the National Security Adviser has confirmed the escape and assured the public of ongoing efforts to apprehend the fugitive.
In a statement issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser, it was revealed that Anjarwalla’s colleague remains in custody, underscoring the urgency of securing Anjarwalla’s capture. The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to combating money laundering and terrorism financing, activities which Anjarwalla is alleged to be involved in through his association with Binance.
The escape comes amidst a wider crackdown on cryptocurrency platforms in Nigeria, with the government accusing Binance of facilitating illicit financial transactions worth billions of dollars. The detention of Binance executives follows the platform’s decision to cease certain services in Nigeria due to disputes with regulatory authorities.