The Nigerian government has confirmed the daring escape of Nadeem Anjarwalla, a key suspect in the ongoing criminal investigation into the activities of Binance in Nigeria.
Notably, this revelation comes alongside the arrest of personnel responsible for guarding him.
According to Zakari Mijinyawa, the Head of Strategic Communication at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Anjarwalla managed to flee lawful custody on Friday, 22 March, sparking a nationwide manhunt.
Sources privy to the matter disclosed that the 38-year-old executive absconded from an Abuja guest house while under detention, exploiting a moment of prayer during the Ramadan fast to make his getaway.
The repercussions of Anjarwalla’s escape reverberate within the corridors of justice, as the personnel tasked with his custody now face scrutiny and investigation.
In an official statement, Mijinyawa affirmed that immediate action has been taken, in collaboration with security agencies and international counterparts, to track down the fugitive.
“Preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport,” the statement 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.
“Recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria, like other governments around the world, has been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions perpetrated on the Binance currency exchange platform,” the statement reads in parts
Authorities are leaving no stone unturned, working tirelessly to uncover the circumstances surrounding the breach and ensure accountability.
The Nigerian government’s crackdown on suspected money launderers and terrorism financiers, allegedly exploiting Binance’s platform for illicit activities, underscores the gravity of the situation.
With billions at stake and allegations of economic manipulation rife, the battle between regulators and cryptocurrency giants intensifies.
As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight shifts to Binance’s founder and CEO, Changpeng Zhao, who faces a postponed criminal trial in the United States.
With mounting charges against the platform, including tax evasion and regulatory breaches, the crypto landscape in Nigeria braces for further turbulence.
