Shock as Detained Binance Executive Escapes from Custody in Nigeria

In a shocking twist of events, Nadeem Anjarwalla, one of the two Binance executives detained in Nigeria has allegedly escaped from custody, sources familiar with the matter have told Premium Times.

Mr Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, and Tigran Gambaryan, who oversees financial crime compliance at the crypto exchange platform, were detained upon their arrival in Nigeria on 26 February 2024, for alleged tax evasion and other offences.

The reports say Mr Anjarwalla, escaped on Friday, March 22, from the Abuja guest house where he and his colleague were detained after guards on duty led him to a nearby mosque for prayers in the spirit of the ongoing Ramadan fast.

The Briton, who also has Kenyan citizenship, is believed to have flown out of Abuja using a Middle East airliner.

It however remains unclear how Mr Anjarwalla got on an international flight despite his British passport remaining in the custody of the Nigerian authorities.

Another source said the two officials were held at a “comfortable guest house” and allowed many rights, including the use of telephones, a privilege Mr Anjarwalla is believed to have exploited to plot an escape.

When contacted on the escape of the Binance executive from detention, the Head of Strategic Communication at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari Mijinyawa, said he would enquire and revert. He had yet to report back as at press time.