Federal Government Pursues Binance Executive Who Escaped Custody

The Federal Government has initiated talks with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) for the re-arrest of Nadeem Anjarwalla, an executive of the cryptocurrency platform Binance, who escaped from custody. Anjarwalla, 38, was detained for tax evasion and other offenses related to Binance’s activities in Nigeria. Despite being convicted on March 21, he managed to escape the following day while under the watch of security personnel.

Addressing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed the escape and announced a manhunt for Anjarwalla. Idris assured that the escape would not impede the payment of the $10 billion fines imposed on Binance for money laundering.

In response to concerns about the escape affecting the fine enforcement, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, clarified that the focus is on the company, not individuals. He emphasized the government’s ability to enforce compliance with legal requirements, regardless of individual actions.

The Office of the National Security Adviser issued a statement confirming Anjarwalla’s escape and the initiation of a manhunt. Security personnel responsible for his custody have been apprehended and will face legal consequences for negligence.