Nigerian High Court Dismisses Binance Exec’s Arrest Case

The High Court of Nigeria has rejected the case filed by Binance regional manager Nadeem Anjarwala, according to local press reports. Anjarwala claims that Nigerian government agencies violated his fundamental rights when they arrested him and confiscated his passport.

Judge Inyang Ekow ruled on June 19 that Anjarwala should drop his charges against the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) “in the interest of diligent prosecution”. Neither Anjarwala's legal representatives nor the accused appeared in court.

The executive of Binance defends its rights

Anjarwala's suit, filed on March 28, sought to declare the agencies' actions illegal. Binance's lawyer, Tony Crucrubo, asked to be dropped from the case at the same time as the lawsuit.

According to Nigerian financial publication Nairametrics, Krukurubo made the request so that Anjarwala could get another representation. Anjarwala was not in court at the time as he escaped from prison and fled to Kenya. The court adjourned the proceedings until June 19, but Anjarwala had to engage new representatives.

Anjarwala confirmed the allegations that government agencies violated Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended). He stated in the lawsuit.

“The detention of the applicant by the respondents is causing great hardship and emotional distress to the applicant, his wife and children and other family members.”

Wool is part of a larger conflict.

Anjarwala and Binance financial crime suspect Tigran Gambarian were arrested on February 26, 2016, after traveling to the Gambia from the United States to participate in the company's defense on tax evasion and money laundering charges.

The allegations against Binance have been a source of tension between the United States and Nigeria.

Related: Nigerian authorities drop some charges against jailed Binance exec

Gambarian, a US citizen, filed a case against the NSA and EFCC separately from Anjarwala for the same reason. Gambarian's complaint is scheduled to be heard on July 9. Krukrubbo remains Gambian's representative.

Anjarwala holds dual citizenship of the UK and Kenya. He remains in Kenya while Nigeria processes his extradition.

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