An official of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, who was arrested in Nigeria, managed to escape the country by saying “I need to go to Friday prayers.”
In a special report by the local Nigerian news agency Premium Times, it is stated that one of the two Binance officials who were detained for tax evasion and other crimes managed to escape from the country by using an excuse of “Friday prayers.”
One of the detained officials, Nadeem Anjarwalla, managed to get a short leave by telling law enforcement that it was Ramadan and he couldn’t miss Friday prayers during this holy month. Nadeem Anjarwalla, accompanied by officials, managed to get to the airport and fled from the country on the first flight as part of his plan.
A Nigerian Immigration Service official said that the Binance manager fled from Nigeria with a Kennyan passport. During his arrest, he had only a UK passport on him, and it is unknown how he obtained the Kenyan passport. Authorities said they are investigating which country Nadeem Anjarwalla flew to and his current location.
According to a source closely following the matter, both officials had comfortable conditions in prison including phone and internet access and likely made escape plans during this time.
Tensions Escalating between Binance and Nigeria
It was recently revealed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) President Olayemi Cardoso that there was $26 billion worth of fund flow through Binance Nigeria last year. Following this announcement, two Binance officials were arrested at the Nigerian airport and their passports were confiscated.
Allegations were made against Binance officials for foreign exchange manipulation, tax evasion, and illegal operations. In response, Binance decided to delist the Nigerian currency from the exchange.
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