President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has officially acknowledged the departure of Binance’s regional manager for Africa, Nadeem Anjarwalla.
Zakari Mijinyawa, the head of strategic communication at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), confirmed this development in a statement released on Monday. Mijinyawa stated, “Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. Anjarwalla left Nigeria using an illicitly obtained passport.”
He further mentioned that personnel responsible for Mr. Anjarwalla’s custody have been apprehended, and an investigation has been initiated. “The individuals tasked with the custody of the suspect have been detained, and a comprehensive inquiry is underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding his escape from lawful detention,” the statement noted.
Earlier reports had indicated that the Binance executive fled from the Abuja guest house where he and a colleague were being held on March 22. Anjarwalla purportedly made his escape when guards accompanying him allowed him to visit a nearby mosque for prayers during the ongoing Ramadan fast.
Despite holding a British passport, it remains unclear how Anjarwalla managed to board an international flight with a Middle Eastern airline from Abuja. ONSA mentioned, “Upon receiving this information, immediate actions were taken in collaboration with relevant security agencies, ministries, departments, and the international community to capture the suspect.”
The statement added, “Efforts are underway with Interpol to secure an international arrest warrant for the suspect.”
The government’s statement also highlighted ongoing investigations into money laundering and terrorism financing activities linked to the Binance exchange platform. Anjarwalla, a dual British-Kenyan national serving as Binance’s Africa regional manager, was undergoing legal proceedings in Nigerian courts until his escape.
Binance, in response to the situation, emphasized its commitment to the safety of its manager and expressed collaboration with Nigerian authorities to address the matter.
