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Binance Executive: FG Contacts INTERPOL, Soldiers Held Over Detainee’s Escape

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The Federal Government, on Monday, contacted the International Criminal Police Organisation and issued an arrest warrant for the apprehension of one of the detained executives of a global crypto-currency firm, Binance, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who escaped from lawful custody on Friday.

Additionally, while his colleague was still being held, Anjarwalla, a suspect in the investigation into Binance’s operations in Nigeria, escaped using a Kenyan passport, according to information obtained from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

The escapee Binance official, who has British and Kenyan nationalities, escaped from Abuja through a Middle East airliner, as his firm in Nigeria confirmed that Anjarwalla was no longer in the country, adding that the company would cooperate with security agencies.

The escape shocked security agencies, as they revealed that the fleeing executive was kept in a ‘safe house’ guarded by soldiers, adding that the security guards on duty had been detained.

The Office of the National Security Adviser confirmed the escape of Anjarwalla in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by the Head of its Strategic Communication, Zakari Mijinyawa, who stated that preliminary investigation showed that the escapee fled Nigeria using a smuggled international passport.

He noted that efforts were ongoing to arrest the suspect.

The statement read, “The Office of the National Security Adviser confirms that Nadeem Anjarwalla, a suspect in the ongoing criminal probe into the activities of Binance in Nigeria, has escaped from lawful custody on Friday, March 22, 2024.

“Upon receiving this report, this office took immediate steps, in conjunction with relevant security agencies, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as the international community, to apprehend the suspect.

“Security agencies are working with Interpol for an international arrest warrant on the suspect. Preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.”

Mijinyawa noted that the personnel responsible for the custody of Anjarwalla had been arrested, adding that investigations were ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding his escape.

  • Personnel Arrested

“The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention.

“Recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria, like other governments around the world, has been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions perpetrated on the Binance currency exchange platform.

“Until his escape, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who holds British and Kenyan nationalities and served as Binance’s Africa Regional Manager, was being tried by Nigerian courts.

“The suspect escaped while under a 14-day remand order by a court in Nigeria. He was scheduled to appear before the court again on April 4, 2024,” the statement added.

The ONSA spokesperson urged Nigerians and the international community to help with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect.

Mijinyawa said, “We urge the Nigerian public and the international community to provide whatever information they have that can assist law enforcement agencies to apprehend the suspect.”

Financial Times had on February 28, 2024, reported that two executives of the company were arrested and detained after they flew into the country as a result of a ban on their website.

On March 12, 2024, the FT reported that the EFCC asked Binance to share data on its 100 top users in Nigeria as well as all transaction history for the past six months.

According to the report, the request is at the centre of negotiations between Binance and Nigeria.

  • Kenyan Passport

It was gathered that the escaped Binance executive fled Nigeria on his smuggled Kenyan passport.

Anjarwalla’s escape from custody last Friday steered controversy across the country since the news broke Monday morning.

The embattled Binance executive who is both a citizen of the United Kingdom and Kenya, had had his British passport seized by the Nigerian authorities.

However, the spokesperson for the Office of the NSA, Mijinyawa, revealed that Anjarwalla fled the country using his Kenyan passport.

Responding to an enquiry on the particular country’s passport used by Anjarwalla to escape from Nigeria, Mijinwaya said, “Kenyan. His other passport remains with the Nigerian authorities.”

Meanwhile, impeccable source said that Anjarwalla and his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, were detained in a “safe house” guarded by heavily armed soldiers.

It was further revealed that the embattled crypto-currency gurus were detained on the order of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The high-placed security sources also noted that some of the military personnel guarding the safe house had been detained.

“The escape of Mr Anjarwalla from custody came as a surprise to many of us in the security community. He wasn’t detained by the EFCC or the DSS, he and his colleague were detained in a ‘safe house’ guarded by heavily armed soldiers of the Nigerian Army, on the order of the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu,” one of the sources revealed.

Another source who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, said, “The soldiers who were on duty on the day he escaped have been detained and are being interrogated over the matter.

“The Office of the National Security Adviser is the one coordinating the poet, while other relevant security agencies, the EFCC, DSS, police, FIRS, are carrying out their own independent investigations and have been questioning the Binance executives at the ‘safe house’ which is being guarded by the military.”

However, the Nigerian Immigrations Service and the Nigeria Police Force, were silent on the development.

  • NIS Silent

The spokesperson for the NIS, Dr Forum Aridegbe, and the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, did not respond to inquiries concerning how Anjarwalla got a smuggled passport, and also on plans to inform the Kenyan and British police concerning his whereabouts.

When contacted to tell what would be done to military officials who guarded the house from where the Binance boss escaped, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, replied “I currently do not have information about soldiers reportedly guarding the said escapees. Will revert if I do.”

Anjarwalla, 38, escaped on Friday, March 22, 2024 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.

Authorities are also said to be working to unravel his intended destination in a bid to get him back into custody.

An Immigration official said the Binance executive fled Nigeria on a Kenyan passport. He, however, said authorities were trying to determine how he obtained the passport, given that he had no other travel document (apart from the British passport) on him when he was taken into custody.

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

Anjarwalla and Tigran Gambaryan, a US citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at the crypto exchange platform, were detained upon their arrival in Nigeria on February 26, 2024.

A criminal charge was filed against the two executives before a Magistrate Court in Abuja. On February 28, 2024, the court granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission an order to remand the duo for 14 days.

The court also ordered Binance to provide the Nigerian government with the data/information of Nigerians trading on its platform.

Following Binance’s refusal to comply with the order, the court extended the remand of the officials for an additional 14 days to prevent them from tampering with evidence. The court then adjourned the case till April 4, 2024.

Also on March 22, the Nigerian government approached the Federal High Court in Abuja and slammed another four-count charge on Binance Holdings Limited, Anjarwalla, and Gambaryan, accusing them of offering services to subscribers on their platform while failing to register with the Federal Inland Revenue Service to pay all relevant taxes administered by the service.

And in so doing, they committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 8 of the Value Added Tax Act of 1993 (as Amended).

The defendants were also accused of offering taxable services to subscribers on their trading platform while failing to issue invoices to those subscribers to determine and pay their value-added taxes and, in so doing, committed an offence contrary to and punishable under S.29 of the Value Added Tax Act of 1993 (as amended).

Count three of the charges accused the three defendants of offering services to subscribers on their Binance trading platform for the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies and the remittance and transfer of those assets while failing to deduct the necessary Value Added Taxes arising from their operations and thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 40 of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Establishment Act 2007 (as amended).

The last count of the charges wants the defendants punished for allegedly aiding and abetting subscribers on their Binance trading platform to unlawfully refuse to pay taxes or neglect to pay those taxes and, in so doing, committing an offence contrary to and punishable under the provisions of S.94 of the Companies Income Tax Act (as amended).

The Nigerian government had, in the past three months, been cracking down on suspected money launderers and terrorism financiers, some of whom it alleged were using the Binance platform for criminal activities.

The Nigerian government said over $21.6bn was traded by Nigerians whose identities were concealed by Binance.

The government also claimed its investigations revealed that unscrupulous elements were using Binance for money laundering, terrorist financing, currency speculation, and market manipulation, distorting the Nigerian economy and weakening the naira against other currencies.

The detention of Binance officials in Nigeria began months after the crypto exchange platform pleaded guilty and agreed to pay $4.3bn to settle criminal money laundering charges levied by the US Department of Justice.

Binance founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, pleaded guilty and agreed to resign. His criminal trial has been postponed to April 30, 2024, by a US court.

  • Binance Reacts

Binance, the global cryptocurrency exchange, confirmed on Monday that its executive, Anjarwalla, was no longer in Nigerian custody.

The crypto exchange said its concern continues to be the safety and well-being of its employees, and it is actively collaborating with Nigerian authorities to swiftly resolve the matter.

“We were made aware that Nadeem is no longer in Nigerian custody. Our primary focus remains on the safety of our employees, and we are working collaboratively with Nigerian authorities to quickly resolve this issue,” It said in the emailed response.

However, it did not provide details on how the executive left Nigerian custody.

JNPR, the public relations agency for Binance, when reached out to (by The Punch) for confirmation on the matter said “I am currently seeking feedback from my clients. Unfortunately, I can’t share any information at the moment. As soon as I receive any updates, I will let you know”.

Authorities are now scrambling to ascertain Anjarwalla’s whereabouts and the specifics of his escape, with investigations underway to determine his intended destination.

Last week, the families of the executives said they would remain in detention for at least two more weeks in Nigeria.

The duo appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday, even though they were not charged with a crime.

This detention follows Nigeria’s recent crackdown on various cryptocurrency trading platforms.

On March 8, the exchange announced its decision to cease its naira-to-dollar exchange services in Nigeria due to a dispute with Nigerian authorities, who accused the platform of manipulating the country’s foreign exchange rate.

The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Yemi Cardoso, said that over $26bn in illicit funds had transited through the platform in the previous year.

 

Credit: The Punch

BIG STORY

Tokunbo Wahab – The Steadfast Architect Of Lagos’ Water Revolution — By Babajide Fadoju

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In a city like Lagos, the hum of progress is often drowned out by the challenges of rapid urbanization, infrastructure projects can feel like distant promises rather than tangible realities. Yet, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State is steadily rewriting this narrative. One of the most transformative projects underway is the Adiyan Water Works (AWW), a bold initiative set to deliver 70 million gallons of clean, potable water daily to Lagosians. At the helm of this ambitious endeavor is Tokunbo Wahab, the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources—a man whose quiet determination and unwavering focus have become a source of hope for millions.

When Governor Sanwo-Olu recently visited the Adiyan Water Works site, it wasn’t just a routine inspection. It was a moment of affirmation—a recognition of the hard work and vision driving this project forward. As the governor walked through the site, the air buzzed with excitement, not just for the technical milestones achieved, but for what this project represents: a future where clean water is no longer a luxury but a given. For Tokunbo Wahab, this visit was a validation of his tireless efforts to turn a lofty vision into a reality that will touch the lives of everyday Lagosians.

The commissioner’s role in this project is nothing short of pivotal. Steering a project of this magnitude in a city as complex as Lagos is no small feat. Yet, under his watchful eye , the Adiyan Water Works has reached an impressive 80% completion rate. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a testament to Wahab’s ability to navigate bureaucratic hurdles, logistical challenges, and the occasional skepticism that comes with large-scale infrastructure projects. His approach is not just about meeting deadlines; it’s about ensuring that every drop of water delivered will make a difference in the lives of Lagosians.

What sets Wahab apart is his deep understanding of what this project means for the people of Lagos. For him, it’s not just about pipes, pumps, and gallons per day. It’s about the mother who won’t have to walk miles to fetch water for her family. It’s about the child who can focus on school instead of worrying about waterborne diseases. It’s about the small business owner who can thrive with a reliable water supply. Wahab’s work is rooted in the belief that access to clean water is a fundamental right, and his actions reflect a commitment to making that right a reality for all.

The trust Governor Sanwo-Olu places in Wahab is evident. Their partnership is a rare example of how political leadership and administrative execution can come together to achieve something extraordinary. The governor’s frequent visits to the site and his public support for the project are not just gestures of goodwill; they are a recognition of Wahab’s ability to deliver on promises. In a political climate often marred by mistrust and unmet expectations, this synergy is a breath of fresh air.

But the Adiyan Water Works project is more than just an infrastructure upgrade. It’s a symbol of hope and progress for a city that has long grappled with water scarcity. When completed, it will not only improve public health but also boost local economies, create jobs, and attract investments. For communities that have endured years of unreliable water services, this project is a lifeline—a promise of dignity and a better quality of life.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Large-scale projects like this require more than just technical expertise; they demand empathy and a deep connection to the communities they serve. Wahab has been mindful of this every step of the way. From ensuring fair compensation for affected residents to collaborating with neighboring states like Ogun, his approach has been inclusive and thoughtful. He understands that true progress is not just about building infrastructure but about building trust and fostering collaboration.

Critics may argue that such projects are fraught with complexities, and they’re not wrong. But Wahab’s track record shows that with determination, transparency, and a clear vision, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. His work on the Adiyan Water Works is a shining example of what public service should be—a commitment to the greater good, even when the road is tough.

As Lagos continues to grow and evolve, the importance of reliable infrastructure cannot be overstated. Clean water is the foundation of health, education, and economic prosperity. The Adiyan Water Works project, under Wahab’s stewardship, is poised to become a cornerstone of Lagos’ transformation. And as the city eagerly awaits the day when clean water flows freely into every home, it’s clear that leaders like Tokunbo Wahab are the driving force behind this progress.

In the end, the success of the Adiyan Water Works will be more than just a technical achievement. It will be a story of hope, resilience, and the power of dedicated leadership. Tokunbo Wahab’s work is a reminder that even in the face of immense challenges, change is possible when leaders put people first. As the water begins to flow, so too will the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future for Lagos—a future built on the foundation of clean water and unwavering commitment.

Let the water flow, and with it, let the promise of progress and prosperity flow for all Lagosians.

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BIG STORY

Lagos House Of Assembly Call For Action Against Open Defecation, Laud Environment Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab

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The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to rigorously enforce environmental laws against “open defecation” and ensure the widespread availability of free public toilets across the state.

The lawmakers stressed the need for a broad and ongoing awareness campaign to educate residents about the dangers of “open defecation.” Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, condemned the practice, emphasizing the urgent need for better sanitation infrastructure.

The House also praised the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, calling him a “pride of the state.”

Raising the matter under “Urgent Public Importance,” Hon. Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi-Isolo 1) warned that “open defecation” tarnishes Lagos’ reputation and obstructs sustainable development.

Hon. Bonu Solomon (Badagry 1) called for the arrest of homeless individuals contributing to the sanitation crisis, urging local government chairmen to assist the state in maintaining cleanliness.

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 1) proposed the introduction of affordable public toilets, while Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2) urged the creation of clear policies regarding the management of public sanitation facilities.

Hon. Aro Moshood (Ikorodu 2) connected waste accumulation to “open defecation,” underscoring the need for stricter waste management, particularly in market areas like Mile 12.

The Assembly resolved to ramp up public awareness campaigns and collaborate with private companies to fund sanitation initiatives across Lagos.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Nollywood Star, Kenneth Okonkwo Resigns From Labour Party

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Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has announced his resignation from the party.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Okonkwo stated that his resignation will take effect from February 25, 2025, after which he will be free to join other like-minded Nigerians in shaping the country’s future.

He explained that his involvement in politics was driven by a desire for good governance, and he will continue working towards this goal.

Okonkwo expressed his gratitude to Nigerians who supported the party during its time of need and pledged his loyalty to the Nigerian people. He also mentioned that the Labour Party, in its current state, is non-existent, which led to his decision to resign.

His statement reads:

11th February, 2025

To all Nigerians of Goodwill,

RESIGNATION FROM LABOUR PARTY

I sincerely thank all Nigerians of goodwill for their immense support during the 2023 presidential election, where Nigerians believed in our message for a new Nigeria and voted for us across ethnic and religious lines. We were the only party that achieved 25% support in all six Geo-Political Zones and the Federal Capital Territory. I believe that we won the election under the Labour Party with your support but were denied victory due to a technical glitch.

2. By February 25, 2025, it will be two years since the 2023 presidential election, and two years before the next presidential election. It is a global democratic convention that political consultations, alignments, and re-alignments begin two years before the next election. Unfortunately, the Labour Party, as it is currently structured, cannot be part of the political force that will shape Nigeria’s political future.

3. To avoid any confusion, the Labour Party as it stands is non-existent. According to the Labour Party Constitution, the tenure of ward, local government, and state party executives is three years (see Article 15(2)(3)(4) of the Labour Party Constitution). Since no congresses have been held at these levels within the constitutionally allowed tenure, their leaderships have effectively expired.

4. The former National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, and his National Working Committee, having not conducted any legally recognized national convention, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the courts, the leadership issue within the Labour Party remains an internal matter that the courts cannot intervene in, leaving the party without effective national leadership.

5. The Caretaker Committee, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, which was lawfully set up by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party after the INEC’s non-recognition of the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC), was given six months to conduct congresses and a convention. This was the only viable option to salvage the Labour Party.

6. Unfortunately, Abure and his allies, in collaboration with external forces, have waged unnecessary legal challenges against this Caretaker Committee, preventing it from functioning. More than six months after the Committee’s inauguration, it has not even started, leading many to believe that the objective of these politicians and their collaborators is to bog down the serious members of the Labour Party with frivolous lawsuits until the 2027 election is over. It’s curious that a national executive whose members are defecting daily to other parties, and who cannot fight legal battles to recover these seats, is waging intense legal battles to maintain their destructive grip on the party.

7. It’s clear that Abure is more concerned with his own interests than with the survival of the Labour Party. If he were genuinely interested in fielding a southern candidate for the 2027 presidential election, he would have ceded the position of national chairman to the North, as is the convention when a party aims to field a southern presidential candidate. This was a suggestion from those of us genuinely interested in the party’s survival. While Nigerians, especially in the North, may have overlooked the combination of a southern national chairman and presidential candidate in 2023, they will not overlook it in 2027, having had time to prepare.

8. By not doing this, it’s obvious that Abure and his colleagues want to use some southern presidential candidates as cash cows, generating money for them without any intention of making the party competitive in 2027. This confirms the belief that they are secretly working for the ruling party’s victory. I pity any southern presidential candidate who still believes there’s a future in an Abure-led Labour Party, as they are clearly unaware of Nigeria’s current political realities.

9. I have never been deceitful or betrayed any cause I’ve fought for. My entry into politics was driven by the desire for good governance, and I will continue working for it to ensure that Nigeria becomes a great country led by incorruptible leaders. However, this can no longer be achieved within the current Labour Party, which, as presently constituted, is non-existent. Therefore, I am forced to resign from the party and thank all Nigerians of goodwill who supported us when we needed them most. I pledge my continued loyalty to the Nigerian people, regardless of the political path I choose to follow.

10. This resignation takes effect on February 25, 2025, marking the second anniversary of the 2023 presidential election. After this date, I will be free to join other well-meaning, like-minded Nigerians in shaping a brighter future for our country through good governance.

 

Thank you, and God bless.

Yours sincerely,

Kenneth Okonkwo

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