Reports from local media indicate Nigeria's federal government's efforts to collaborate with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in the extradition of a Binance executive who absconded from detention within the country.
Nigeria's EFCC Collaborates with INTERPOL, FBI, Britain, and Kenya to Extradite Absconded Executive
Quoting a government source, local publication Punch reveals Nigeria's Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) partnering with INTERPOL, the FBI, and governments of Britain and Kenya to facilitate the arrest and extradition of the absconded executive.
The extradition aims to bring the executive back to Nigeria to face charges related to money laundering after escaping detention and fleeing the country in the previous month.
Fugitive Executive to Face Money Laundering Charges Alongside Binance in Nigerian Court
Described by a government source as a "fugitive," the executive is set to be arraigned in court alongside Binance and a colleague. The charges against him include money laundering, following his escape from lawful custody.
Initially detained for 14 days under a court order, the executive, along with his colleague, faced an extension of detention as part of an investigation into crypto exchanges in Nigeria.
Escape of Nigerian Executive Sparks International Manhunt, Binance Faces Charges
The executive managed to escape custody on March 22, reportedly during a visit to a nearby mosque for Ramadan prayers. He utilized his Kenyan passport to board a Middle Eastern airline despite surrendering his British passport.
Following his escape, Nigeria's Federal Inland Revenue Service filed tax evasion charges against Binance, the executive, and his colleague. Subsequently, on March 28th, the EFCC charged them with money laundering amounting to $35.4 million.
The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to arraign the accused parties, with the EFCC taking over the case from the Office of the National Security Adviser. The colleague has taken legal action against the Nigerian government, alleging a violation of his fundamental human rights.