A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Nadeem Anjarwalla, an executive of Binance Holdings Ltd, against the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed the case on Wednesday due to lack of diligent prosecution, noting that neither Anjarwalla nor his legal representation appeared in court.
“On March 28, the applicant’s counsel, Tonye Krukrubo, SAN, sought leave to withdraw his appearance, which was granted,” said Justice Ekwo. “Today’s proceedings were meant for a mention, but no lawyer appeared for the applicant.”
Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, and his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, a US citizen overseeing financial crime compliance, filed the suit alleging unlawful detention and seizure of their international passports by the NSA and EFCC. They argued that their detention violated Section 35 (1) and (4) of the Nigerian Constitution.
Anjarwalla fled to Kenya on March 22 after escaping custody, while Gambaryan’s case continues. The court set July 9 for the hearing of Gambaryan’s suit after approving his lawyer’s motion to amend the originating process, despite opposition from EFCC’s counsel, Olarewanju Adeola.
“I am minded to grant this amendment,” Justice Ekwo stated, adding that Gambaryan must pay a N50,000 fine to the EFCC before the next hearing.
The ongoing legal battle arises amid heightened scrutiny of Binance’s operations in Africa and increasing regulatory challenges for cryptocurrency platforms globally.
