Garba Umar, Vice President of INTERPOL (Africa) Executive Committee, declared on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program that Nadeem Anjarwalla, a fugitive crypto executive, will be extradited to Nigeria to face tax evasion charges alongside his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, who remains in custody in Abuja.
Umar confirmed that the necessary paperwork for Anjarwalla’s extradition process has commenced, emphasizing INTERPOL’s commitment to facilitating his return to Nigeria to face justice.
“In cases of fugitive escape, INTERPOL provides information and assists countries in following the bilateral agreements and conventions signed for extradition,” Umar explained. “Rest assured, we are actively cooperating with the Nigerian authorities, and Anjarwalla will face the consequences of his actions.”
Following their detention in March by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) on suspicion of currency speculation affecting the Nigerian naira’s value, Anjarwalla and Gambaryan faced additional charges of tax evasion. However, Anjarwalla escaped custody during a Jumat prayer session on March 22, 2024, using a smuggled passport.
In response, the Nigerian government initiated a widespread manhunt, seeking assistance from INTERPOL to apprehend Anjarwalla. The organization swiftly located him, tracking his movements and confirming his last known destination in Kenya, where he holds citizenship.
While Anjarwalla’s current whereabouts remain uncertain, the INTERPOL chief assured that his extradition process would proceed in accordance with international protocols. Once a red notice is issued, member countries are notified to facilitate the fugitive’s apprehension and extradition.
“We are determined to ensure that Anjarwalla faces trial in Nigeria,” Umar affirmed. “Regardless of his location, he will be brought to justice.”
