Our staff, Anjarwalla is off Nigerian custody

The spokesperson for Binance, Samantha Fuller, disclosed this info to PUNCH online through e-mail on Monday.

The crypto change stated its concern continues to be the security and well-being of its staff, and it’s actively collaborating with Nigerian authorities to resolve the matter swiftly.

“We have been informed that Nadeem is no longer in Nigerian custody. Our main focus remains the security of our workers, and we’re working collaboratively with Nigerian authorities to resolve this concern,” stated Fuller.

Also Read: FG Initiates Legal Action Against Binance for Alleged Tax Evasion

PUNCH Online reported that the 38-year-old British-Kenyan citizen fled on March 22 from the Abuja visitor home, the place he and his colleague have been being held.

Anjarwalla and his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, were detained after they arrived in Nigeria on February 26, 2024.

Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen overseeing monetary crime compliance at Binance, and Anjarwalla, hailing from a British-Kenyan background and serving as Binance’s Africa regional supervisor, encountered detainment upon their arrival in Nigeria on February 26.

The circumstances surrounding Anjarwalla’s escape stay unclear, as he allegedly took the benefit of a go-to to a nearby mosque for prayers throughout Ramadan to evade authorities.

Despite his British passport being in Nigerian custody upon entry, Anjarwalla reportedly fled using a Kenyan passport, raising questions about how he obtained it while in custody.

Earlier, PUNCH Online contacted JNPR, the general public relations company that works for Binance executives, for affirmation.

Jessica Gois, JNPR’s Communications Guide, said, “I’m currently seeking suggestions from my shoppers. Sadly, I can’t share any information in the meantime. As soon as I have any updates, I’ll let you know.”

Authorities are scrambling to establish Anjarwalla’s whereabouts and the specifics of his escape, and investigations are underway to find his supposed vacation spot.

Last week, the executives’ households announced that they would stay in detention for at least two extra weeks in Nigeria.

The duo appeared in court docket for the first time on Wednesday, regardless of not being charged against the law.

This detention follows Nigeria’s current crackdown on varied cryptocurrency buying and selling platforms.

On March 8, the change introduced its decision to stop its naira-to-dollar change providers in Nigeria. This decision resulted from a dispute with Nigerian authorities, who accused the platform of manipulating the nation’s overseas change price.

The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Yemi Cardoso, stated that the platform had transited over $26bn in illicit funds within the earlier year.