Mallam Nuhu Ribadu’s term in the critical security position is under further scrutiny following the recent escape of Nadeem Anjarwalla, the regional manager for Binance in Africa, from detention under the National Security Adviser (NSA).
In a statement by Head of Strategic Communication at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Zakari Mijinyawa, on Monday, said “Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.”
Anjarwalla reportedly escaped from the Abuja Guest House, where he and his colleague had been held, on Friday, March 22, 2024, after guards brought him to a local mosque for Ramadan prayers.
Anjarwalla’s escape has sent shockwaves across security circles, demonstrating potential flaws in the security system. As the regional manager for one of the world’s major cryptocurrency exchanges, Anjarwalla’s unexpected disappearance raises questions about the effectiveness of security protocols and the integrity of detention facilities under NSA supervision.
More noteworthy is the fact that this happened when the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced that it has filed a four-count charge before a Federal High Court in Abuja bordering on tax evasion against Binance and its two executives, one of which is Anjarwalla.
Mallam Ribadu, a former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman who took office as National Security Adviser on the promise of strengthening national security and combatting new threats, is now under more scrutiny as a result of this embarrassing, better-forgotten episode. Questions have been made about the NSA’s oversight and administration, particularly with relation to high-profile detainees.
The circumstances surrounding Anjarwalla’s escape remain shrouded in mystery, with authorities yet to provide a comprehensive account of the events leading up to his departure from custody. Speculations abound regarding possible lapses in security protocols or even allegations of complicity from within the security establishment.
Anjarwalla’s role as a key figure in Binance’s operations in Africa adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance operate in a realm where traditional financial regulations often intersect with emerging technological landscapes, presenting unique challenges for law enforcement and security agencies.
The question on the minds of most Nigerians in their reactions to this ugly development is how safe are Nigerians if an alleged criminal suspect can suddenly disappear under the well-protected facilities at the ONSA.
