Just in: How detained Binance Executive Anjarwalla outwits security officials, bolts from custody in Abuja

One of the two Binance executives detained in Abuja for alleged tax evasion and other offenses has reportedly escaped from custody.

Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa Regional Manager, and Tigran Gambaryan, an American overseeing financial crime compliance at the crypto exchange platform, were detained on their arrival in Nigeria on February 26, 2024.

A smart Anjarwalla, however, escaped on Friday when some security agents led him to a mosque to pray.

According to a source, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, and President Bola Tinubu have received briefings.

“Heads may roll soon,” the source said, adding that some security officials are already in custody.

The 38-year-old businessman with global connections escaped from the secured 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.”

After his escape, he made his way to the airport and flew out of the country, using another passport since his British passport has been seized by the Federal Government.

“The government is trying to unravel how he got another passport and why he was not ‘flagged’ at the airport before he flew out.”