A federal high court in Nigeria has recently dismissed a human rights lawsuit filed by Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla against the country’s National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. This decision was made due to Anjarwalla’s lack of legal representation. Legal experts had predicted this outcome, especially since Anjarwalla had previously escaped custody and his lawyer withdrew from the case. Anjarwalla, a dual British and Kenyan citizen, had been detained by the Nigerian government in February but managed to flee using a Kenyan passport. His whereabouts are currently unknown.
Legal Troubles for Tigran Gambaryan
Another Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, has not been as fortunate as Anjarwalla. Gambaryan remains in Nigerian custody and is facing multiple legal battles. He is held at Kuje Prison with a pending human rights enforcement application case against the Nigerian government scheduled for July 9. In addition to the human rights case, Gambaryan is also facing money laundering charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Despite his pleas, the court has deemed him a flight risk and denied him bail.
US Government Intervention?
Speculations have arisen regarding possible intervention by the US government in Gambaryan’s case. FBI Director Christopher Wray recently met with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, fueling rumors of diplomatic involvement. However, Binance has consistently claimed that Gambaryan is not a key decision-maker within the company and does not need to be detained for the firm to resolve its issues with the Nigerian government. Despite this, the legal battles continue for both Anjarwalla and Gambaryan.
The legal battles faced by Binance executives in Nigeria serve as a cautionary tale for individuals operating within the cryptocurrency industry. It highlights the complex regulatory landscape that companies like Binance navigate and underscores the potential legal risks associated with non-compliance. As the cases of Anjarwalla and Gambaryan unfold, it will be interesting to see how the involvement of multiple government entities, both domestic and international, impacts the final outcome.