NAIROBI (CoinChapter.com) — The Nigerian High Court has dismissed a suit filed by Binance regional manager Nadeem Anjarwalla. Anjarwalla claimed that Nigerian government agencies violated his fundamental rights by detaining him and seizing his passport.
Judge Inyang Ekwo dismissed Anjarwalla’s suit against the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on June 19, citing “want of diligent prosecution.” No legal representatives for Anjarwalla or the respondents appeared in court.
Nigerian High Court Dismisses Binance Executive’s Lawsuit
Anjarwalla filed his suit on March 28, seeking a declaration that the actions of the agencies were illegal. Binance’s lawyer, Tonye Krukrubo, requested to withdraw from the case simultaneously with the filing, allowing Anjarwalla to seek new representation. Anjarwalla was not present in court, having escaped prison and fled to Kenya. The court adjourned the proceedings until June 19 to give Anjarwalla time to engage new representatives.
Anjarwalla claimed that the government agencies violated Section 35 (1) and (4) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended). He stated:
“The continued detention of the Applicant by the Respondents is causing immense hardship and emotional stress on the Applicant, his wife, and children, and other members of his family.”
Binance Executive’s Legal Battle Intensifies
Nigerian authorities detained Anjarwalla and Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, on February 26. Gambaryan traveled from the United States to support the company’s defense against charges of tax evasion and money laundering. Consequently, these cases have heightened tensions between the United States and Nigeria.
In response, Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, filed a separate lawsuit against the NSA and EFCC on similar grounds. His complaint is scheduled for a hearing on July 9, with Krukrubo continuing as his representative. Meanwhile, Anjarwalla, who holds dual British and Kenyan citizenship, remains in Kenya as Nigeria pursues his extradition.
With Anjarwalla’s dismissal, Nigerian authorities are expected to escalate extradition efforts to prosecute him from Kenya. However, Gambaryan’s pending lawsuit represents a pivotal moment that could compel his release if successful.
