The Nigerian government has initiated extradition proceedings against Nadeem Anjarwalla, CEO of Binance Holdings Limited, following his escape from detention in Abuja in March. Anjarwalla, along with Tigran Gambaryan, were detained over money laundering allegations, but Anjarwalla's disappearance, reportedly using a Kenyan passport, raised concerns and prompted swift action.
Nigerian Government Initiates Extradition Process for Binance CEO Nadeem Anjarwalla
Following the audacious escape of Binance Holdings Limited CEO Nadeem Anjarwalla from detention on March 22nd, the Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated extradition proceedings to bring him back to the country and face charges related to financial irregularities.
Mr. Anjarwalla, along with Tigran Gambaryan, another executive of the cryptocurrency firm, were apprehended by security agencies in February amid allegations of money laundering. Sources within the government have affirmed that the process to extradite Mr. Anjarwalla has commenced.
Mr. Anjarwalla's enigmatic disappearance occurred while he was being held in detention in Abuja. Reports indicate that he utilized a Kenyan passport to evade detection and flee the country.
The detention of Messrs. Anjarwalla and Gambaryan was ordered by Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who designated a location in Abuja as their "safe house." Both executives were indicted on charges of money laundering to the tune of $35.4 million and were scheduled to appear in court alongside their company, Binance Holdings Limited.
Mr. Anjarwalla's abrupt escape raised significant concerns within government circles, prompting immediate action to initiate extradition proceedings. The seamless collaboration between Nigerian authorities and INTERPOL underscores the severity of the situation and the unwavering determination to bring the fugitive executive to justice, as reported by Investors King.
In a parallel development, Nigerian security agencies have detained the soldiers assigned to monitor Mr. Anjarwalla during his confinement. These soldiers are currently undergoing rigorous interrogation by specialized investigators from the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
The EFCC, which has assumed responsibility for the case from the Office of the National Security Adviser, is poised to arraign Binance Holdings Limited and Mr. Gambaryan in court on Thursday. Mr. Anjarwalla, who remains a fugitive, will be arraigned in absentia alongside his detained colleague and their company.
The government's steadfast efforts to extradite Mr. Anjarwalla are a testament to its unwavering commitment to combating financial crimes and fostering accountability within the cryptocurrency industry. As the investigation progresses, the primary focus remains on bringing all individuals implicated in the alleged money laundering scheme to justice.