In a shocking revelation, the National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu confirmed the daring escape of Nadeem Anjarwalla, a suspect embroiled in the ongoing criminal probe into Binance's activities in Nigeria. Anjarwalla, one of two detained Binance executives, managed to evade custody on Friday, 22nd March, sparking a frantic manhunt across international borders.
Ribadu disclosed that Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport, dealing a significant blow to law enforcement efforts. The escape occurred from an Abuja guest house where Anjarwalla and his colleague were detained, raising questions about the security protocols in place.
In a statement issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser, it was confirmed that the personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, signaling a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape. Security agencies are collaborating with Interpol to secure an international arrest warrant for Anjarwalla, amplifying the urgency of the situation.
The escape comes amidst a broader probe by the Federal Government into money laundering and terrorism financing transactions on the Binance currency exchange platform. Anjarwalla, a British and Kenyan national serving as Binance's Africa regional manager, was being tried in Nigerian courts until his escape.
Ribadu emphasized that Anjarwalla fled while under a 14-day remand order by a Nigerian court, highlighting the audacity of the escape. Urging the Nigerian public and the international community for assistance, Ribadu emphasized the critical need for information to aid law enforcement agencies in apprehending the fugitive.
As authorities scramble to apprehend Anjarwalla, the escape underscores the challenges posed by transnational criminal activities and the imperative for robust international cooperation in combating financial crimes of such magnitude
