The Nigerian High Court has dismissed a suit filed by Binance regional manager Nadeem Anjarwalla, according to local press reports. Anjarwalla alleged that Nigerian government agencies had violated his fundamental rights when they detained him and seized his passport.
Judge Inyang Ekwo ruled on June 19 to dismiss Anjarwalla’s suit against the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) due to “want of diligent prosecution.” No legal representatives for Anjarwalla or the respondents had appeared in the court.
The Binance executive defends his rights
Anjarwalla’s suit, filed on March 28, demanded that the actions of the agencies be declared illegal. Binance’s lawyer, Tonye Krukrubo, requested to withdraw from the case simultaneously with the filing.
According to the Nigerian financial publication Nairametrics, Krukrubo made the request so Anjarwalla could engage other representation. Anjarwalla was not present in court, as he had already escaped prison and fled to Kenya by that time. The court suspended the proceedings until June 19, while Anjarwalla was supposed to engage new representatives.
Anjarwalla maintained in his suit that the government agencies had violated Section 35 (1) and (4) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended). He stated in the suit:
“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.”
The suit is part of a larger conflict
Anjarwalla and Binance head of financial crime compliance Tigran Gambaryan were detained on Feb. 26. Gambaryan had traveled to the country from the United States to participate in the company’s defense against charges of tax evasion and money laundering.
The cases against Binance have been a source of tension between the United States and Nigeria.
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Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, filed a lawsuit against the NSA and EFCC separately from Anjarwalla on the same grounds. Gambaryan’s complaint is scheduled for hearing on July 9. Krukrubo remains Gambaryan’s representative.
Anjarwalla holds dual British and Kenyan citizenship. He remains in Kenya as Nigeria works toward his extradition.
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