•House of Reps and Nadeem Anjarwalla
The House of Representatives has denied demanding a bribe from the Binance Group following a recent allegation by the cryptocurrency company.
This is as the House has also resolved to launch an investigation into the escape of the Binance Executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, from the National Security Adviser’s custody in March, reports Channels TV.
Binance had yesterday stated that some unknown persons in Nigeria demanded huge payments in digital currency “to make their problems in the country go away”.
The company had pointed out that its representatives were approached after leaving a meeting with the House Committee on Financial Crimes.
However, the House of Representatives today, denied demanding a bribe from the company.
The motion was championed by a member of the house representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, Kama Nkemkanma.
Citing breach of privilege, the lawmaker asked the House to re-invite the company to ascertain the bribe claims.
Binance is facing a plethora of criminal charges in Nigeria after the Nigerian government recently cracked down on the cryptocurrency platform in a bid to strengthen the naira.
Among other charges filed by the current administration against Binance were tax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering to the tune of $35,400,000.
The company’s executive, Anjarwalla had in March, escaped from the custody of the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, according to a statement by its spokesman, Zakari Mijinyawa.
Anjarwalla is a suspect in the federal government’s ongoing probe into Binance activities in Nigeria.
Until his escape, Anjarwalla, who is both a British and Kenyan citizen, served as Binance Africa’s Regional Manager, and was facing trial over allegations bordering on tax evasion.
The suspect escaped while under a 14-day remand order by a court. He was scheduled to appear before it again on April 4, 2024.
After his escape, several media reports said the Kenyan authorities had apprehended him, a claim later denied by the country.
It would be recalled that the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, had in March, resolved to issue warrants of arrest against executives of the cryptocurrency platform, for failing to appear before it for an investigation.
