Fleeing Binance Executive, Anjarwalla found as Nigerian govt commences extradition

The Nigerian government has announced that Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance executive who fled custody in Nigeria, has been located in Kenya. A confidential source within the presidency confirmed this development, revealing ongoing discussions among the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), INTERPOL, the International Criminal Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Kenyan Police Service to expedite Anjarwalla’s extradition.

“We are aware of his whereabouts. He is in Kenya, and we are coordinating with authorities to return him to Nigeria,” stated the anonymous source.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukuyede had previously emphasized the commission’s collaboration with INTERPOL, the United States, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenyan authorities to apprehend Anjarwalla, who has been evading arrest. Anjarwalla, along with Binance Holdings Limited and Tigran Gambaryan, faces five charges including tax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering.

Binance and its executives were arraigned by the EFCC on April 4, 2024, following Anjarwalla’s escape from custody on March 22. The government has confirmed that the EFCC has assumed full responsibility for the Binance case, which was previously overseen by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The Nigerian government has been conducting a sustained crackdown on Binance for its alleged involvement in manipulating the country’s foreign exchange market. During the 293rd meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in February, Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso revealed that over $26 billion had been illicitly funneled through Binance without proper documentation.