Binance, the global cryptocurrency exchange, has confirmed that its executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, is no longer in Nigerian custody.
The spokesperson for Binance, Samantha Fuller, disclosed this information via email on Monday.
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,” said Fuller.
However, the spokesperson did not provide details on how the executive left Nigerian custody.
PUNCH Online reported that the 38-year-old British-Kenyan citizen fled on March 22 from the Abuja guest house where he and his colleague were being held.
The detention of Anjarwalla and his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, unfolded after they arrived in Nigeria on February 26, 2024.
Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at Binance, and Anjarwalla, hailing from a British-Kenyan background and serving as Binance’s Africa regional manager, encountered detainment upon their arrival in Nigeria on February 26.
The circumstances surrounding Anjarwalla’s escape remain unclear, as he allegedly took advantage of a visit to a nearby mosque for prayers during Ramadan to evade authorities.
Despite his British passport being in Nigerian custody upon entry, Anjarwalla reportedly fled using a Kenyan passport, raising questions about how he obtained it while in custody.
