NSA Arrests Officers Involved in Escape of Binance Chief; Collaborates with Interpol for Rearrest

The National Security Adviser’s office disclosed on Monday the arrest of security personnel implicated in the escape of Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, as efforts intensify in collaboration with Interpol to recapture him.

“The personnel accountable for the custody of the suspect have been apprehended, and a comprehensive investigation is underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding his escape from lawful detention,” stated Zakari U. Mijinyawa, spokesperson for the NSA office.

Anjarwalla’s flight from custody marks another development following his initial arrest alongside colleague Tigran Gambaryan by the Nigerian government on February 26.

“Preliminary findings suggest that Mr. Anjarwalla exited Nigeria using an illicit passport,” the NSA office disclosed following Premium Times’ coverage of his escape, further noting ongoing collaboration with Interpol to secure an international arrest warrant.

The NSA’s office has called on Nigerians and the global community to share any pertinent information aiding law enforcement agencies in Anjarwalla’s apprehension.

Scheduled to reappear in court on April 4, 2024, Anjarwalla’s absence from Nigerian detention prompted concern from Binance, which emphasized the safety of its employees.

The crackdown on Binance and similar platforms aligns with efforts by the Tinubu-led government to stabilize the depreciating Nigerian naira, which plummeted from about N2000 to a dollar three weeks earlier to N14,00 per dollar. This follows the arrest and detention of Binance officials over allegations of aiding currency speculation and undermining the Nigerian economy.

SK Blog reported that the Tinubu-led administration demanded Binance to furnish a list of top Nigerian users and their transaction details to secure the release of detained officials.

Last Monday, the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court ordered Binance Holdings Limited to provide the EFCC with comprehensive information on Nigerian traders using its platform.

Exiting the Nigerian market and halting naira-related transactions ensued after Nigerian authorities clamped down on Binance operations.