The National Security Adviser (NSA) has escalated efforts to apprehend Nadeem Anjarwalla, an executive of Binance, who fled from custody.
The agency confirmed it is coordinating with INTERPOL to nail down the fugitive.
Due to an ongoing investigation into Binance operations in Nigeria, Anjarwalla, aged 38, was were detained along with a colleague at a guest house in Abuja.
The investigations particularly focused on allegations of tax evasion and other financial misconduct.
Despite receiving a conviction on a four-count criminal charge on Thursday, March 21, Anjarwalla managed to escape from a guest house.
He fled after guards on duty escorted him to a nearby mosque for prayers during the ongoing Ramadan fast.
In response to the escape, the Office of the National Security Adviser on Monday issued a statement confirming the incident and announcing the commencement of a manhunt for Anjarwalla.
The statement read: “The Office of the National Security Adviser confirms that Nadeem Anjarwalla, a suspect in the ongoing criminal probe into the activities of Binance in Nigeria, has escaped from lawful custody on Friday, March 22, 2024.”
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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, assured reporters after a Federal Executive Council meeting that the government is actively pursuing the fugitive.
Idris emphasized that Anjarwalla’s escape would not stop the government’s efforts to enforce financial penalties against the company, including a $10 billion fine for money laundering.
Despite the setback, the Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to hold Binance accountable for any regulatory infractions.
Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, stated that the escape of Anjarwalla does not absolve Binance of its financial obligations to the Nigerian government.
Adedeji clarified that the government’s actions are directed towards the company, rather than solely targeting individuals.
