The House of Representatives has decided to look into how the leader of Binance's African operations, Nadeem Anjarwalla, got away from the National Security Adviser's custody.
This happened after Speaker Abbas Tajudeen instructed the Committees on Financial Crimes, National Security and Intelligence, and Interior to check and report back to the House in two weeks.
This came after a motion by Dominic Okafor from Anambra State was supported at a plenary session chaired by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
The House also mandated its relevant committees to investigate the individuals involved in Anjarwalla's escape.
Okafor pointed out that the Federal Government held Anjarwalla on February 26, 2024, for suspected involvement in illegal money activities and terrorism funding.
He mentioned that the two Binance executives were supposed to appear in court on April 4, 2024, to address the alleged crimes against Nigeria before the security breach led to the executive's escape in a scandalous manner.
He stated, “People accused of terrible crimes against Nigeria and dealing with existing security challenges were housed in an Abuja guest house instead of the Department of State Service or another approved detention facility.
“The escape of the Binance executive from the Office of the National Security Adviser using a 'smuggled passport' is extremely disappointing and embarrassing, indicating the weak security system to the world.
Following the escape and the failure of security forces to re-apprehend Nadeem Anjarwalla, Kenyan Police arrested him on April 22, 2024, and plans were made to bring him back to Nigeria to face the charges against the company.
The Speaker instructed the Committees on Financial Crimes, National Security and Intelligence, and Interior to report back to the House within two weeks.
At the same time, the lawmakers have denied asking for or taking bribes from the cryptocurrency platform.
Binance recently accused unidentified individuals in Nigeria of demanding substantial digital currency payments to solve their issues in the country.
During Wednesday's plenary, a member of the Labour Party from Ebonyi State, Kama Nkemkanma, raised a “Point of Privilege” and stated that the House never met with Binance executives or their representatives.
He remarked, “This house will not allow itself to be disrespected,” and urged the lawmakers to address the accusation seriously in order to prevent damage to the House's reputation.
In his decision, Speaker Abbas, who chaired the plenary, asked the House Clerk to “Take note.”
“We need to use whatever means available to us to deny this claim.
“That has never occurred before. No committee of the house has ever employed this man,” he stated.
