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Court Dismisses Binance Manager’s Suit Against FG, Orders Fine for Colleague

Written by Jerry Alomatu on June 19, 2024

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Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Nadeem Anjarwalla, the Africa Regional Manager of Binance Holdings Limited, against the Federal Government. The suit, which targeted the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was dismissed for lack of diligent prosecution.

In his ruling, Justice Ekwo noted that Anjarwalla’s counsel had sought to withdraw from the case during the previous sitting, and the application was granted. However, on the adjourned date, no lawyer appeared for the applicant. Consequently, the judge dismissed the suit.

Anjarwalla and his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, had separately filed human rights enforcement suits against the NSA and EFCC, seeking release from detention. An amendment motion was moved by Gambaryan’s counsel during the recent proceedings, which was granted by the court. However, Gambaryan was fined ₦50,000 for joining issues in the matter, with the fine to be paid to the EFCC before the next adjourned date.

The suits filed by Anjarwalla and Gambaryan sought declarations that their detention and the seizure of their passports contravened the constitution. They argued that these actions violated their fundamental rights to personal liberty. Anjarwalla and Gambaryan, both US citizens working for Binance, are facing charges related to money laundering with the EFCC and tax evasion with the Federal Inland Revenue.

Anjarwalla’s escape from lawful custody to Kenya on March 22, 2024, further complicates the legal proceedings. The court has scheduled July 9 for the hearing of Gambaryan’s suit following the consideration of the preliminary objection and the substantive matter.