A federal high court in Nigeria recently dismissed a human rights lawsuit filed by Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla against the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The dismissal came on June 19, with Justice Inyang Ekwo citing Anjarwalla’s lack of legal representation as the primary reason for the decision. Anjarwalla, a dual British and Kenyan citizen, was among the Binance executives detained by the Nigerian government earlier this year due to regulatory concerns.
Anjarwalla managed to escape from Nigerian custody in March using a Kenyan passport, and his current whereabouts remain unknown. The other detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, is still under Nigerian custody and facing multiple legal challenges. Gambaryan, held at Kuje Prison, has a human rights enforcement application case against the Nigerian government scheduled for July 9. Additionally, he is confronting money laundering charges and has pleaded not guilty. Despite his pleas, the court has denied him bail, deeming him a flight risk.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in Nigeria recently dropped charges against Gambaryan while shifting their focus to the exchange itself. Furthermore, there have been talks of potential US government intervention in Gambaryan’s prolonged detention. A meeting between FBI Director Christopher Wray and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has stirred speculation about diplomatic involvement. However, Binance has clarified that Gambaryan’s role within the company is not significant, and his release is not essential for the resolution of their issues with the Nigerian government.
The legal saga involving Binance executives in Nigeria has taken multiple twists and turns. The dismissal of Anjarwalla’s lawsuit due to lack of legal representation, Gambaryan’s ongoing legal battles, and the potential for external intervention have all contributed to a complex and uncertain situation. As the case continues to unfold, the fate of these individuals and the broader implications for Binance in Nigeria remain unclear.
