Nigeria Continues Search for Escaped Binance Exec Nadeem Anjarwalla

The battle between Binance and Nigeria isn't over yet. In what Nigeria Information Minister Mohammed Idris emphasised was a Binance problem rather than a crypto problem, the African nation is continuing its pursuit of British Kenyan Nadeem Anjarwalla.

Anjarwalla and U.S. citizen Tigran Gambaryan, both Binance executives, were detained in Nigeria in February 2024. The pair visited the country to address allegations that the exchange's activity had crashed the country's national currency, the naira.

Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) charged the exchange and its two executives with five counts bordering on money laundering.

Anjarwalla, who serves as Binance's regional manager for Africa, escaped custody in March, with Binance stating, “We were made aware that Nadeem is no longer in Nigerian custody. Our primary focus remains on the safety of our employees and we are working collaboratively with Nigerian authorities to quickly resolve this issue.”

In a recent interview, Idris said the government in Abuja, as well as Interpol, are searching for Anjarwalla. “Nadeem Anjarwalla actually did escape lawful custody, and this is against our laws,” Alhaji Idris said.

“Nigeria made a case with Interpol to apprehend him and bring him back to face justice.”

Gambarayan ultimately had his case dropped by the Nigerian court on humanitarian grounds due to his deteiorating health after being detained for eight months.

The Binance exec reportedly had suffered from malaria, pneumonia, and tonsilitis, and also experienced complications from a herniated disk, which left him wheelchair-bound. Local authorities said Gambaryan required urgent medical care outside Nigeria.

Binance CEO Richard Teng defended the exchange, stating that the Nigerian government’s actions “were not warranted” and that Binance had attempted to cooperate, only to be met with resistance.

Minister Idris dismissed these accusations as tactics aimed at strong-arming the government, pointing out that other crypto firms operating in Nigeria had not faced similar legal challenges. “There are other companies operating in the crypto sector in Nigeria, you don’t see them [facing charges],” he said, adding that the government is out to protect investors, “not to cripple anybody.”

Last month, Nigeria sued Binance for $79.5 billion in damages for economic losses allegedly caused by the cryptocurrency exchange’s operations in the country. Additionally, the government demanded $2 billion in back taxes.

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Related story: Nigeria suing Binance for $81.5 billion

Wildlife Trafficker Arrested In Nigeria Smuggling Over 300 Exotic Bird Heads & Gorilla Parts

A shocking discovery was recently made during routine baggage inspections at the Mfun/Ekok Joint Border Station in Cross River State, which links Nigeria and Cameroon. The Area Controller of Nigeria Customs, Chief Ogbonna, and his team, intercepted a traveler entering Nigeria from Cameroon, uncovering an illegal wildlife trafficking operation.

The traveler, identified as Abubakar, was found smuggling an alarming assortment of wildlife parts, including “213 parrot skulls, 29 packs of parrot feathers, six eagle skulls, one pack of eagle feathers, 128 African hornbill skulls, two gorilla skulls, and four gorilla hands and feet,” according to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

The WCS was called upon to help identify the wildlife species and confirmed that the trade of gorillas, parrots, hornbills, and eagles is prohibited by both Nigerian law and international law.

“This arrest underscores the need for stronger enforcement and harsher penalties for wildlife crimes to act as a more effective deterrent. WCS provides ongoing support to the Customs Service to help tackle illegal wildlife trade in Nigeria. Since 2020, WCS has trained more than 100 Customs staff across Nigeria to raise awareness of the threat due to the illegal wildlife trade. Working with Customs, WCS has also provided 10 secure storage facilities across the country for the storage of seized wildlife items, ensuring proper handling of confiscated materials,” according to a statement by the WCS.

In a press briefing in Calabar, Nigeria, Comptroller Ogbonna emphasized the severity of the violations, pointing out that these seized wildlife parts breached both international laws and the NCS Act 2023, which strictly prohibits the trade of endangered species without the necessary permits. “On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, during routine baggage inspections at the Mfun/Ekok Joint Border Station, my officers intercepted a traveler entering Nigeria from Cameroon,” Ogbonna stated, highlighting the determined and proactive efforts of his customs team.

Customs Chief Ogbonna further highlighted the broader implications of the illegal wildlife trade, emphasizing that it “threatens Nigeria’s biodiversity and contributes to crime, economic instability, and public safety risks.”

“We commend the Cross River Command of the Nigeria Customs Service for this bold action and urge the public to stand firm against the illegal wildlife trade. Every seized item represents a tragic loss for nature, but with collective efforts, we can protect our incredible wildlife from extinction,” said WCS.

This recent wildlife trafficking arrest highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance and collaboration in the fight against this illicit trade. Only by joining forces can the authorities, conservationists, and the public make significant strides in safeguarding our natural world and ensuring the protection of vulnerable and endangered species for future generations to come.

By Katie Cleary, WAN

Nigeria moves to become third African country to offer citizenship by investment program

The citizenship by investment program will allow foreign investors to obtain Nigerian nationality in exchange for significant economic contributions.

This move aligns with global trends where countries leverage CBI programs to attract foreign capital, boost economic growth, and increase foreign direct investment.

Currently, Egypt and Mauritius are the only African nations offering formal citizenship by investment schemes.

Nigeria’s entry into this space could position it as a key player in attracting wealthy investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals seeking access to Africa’s largest economy.

The CIB program in focus

Egypt and Mauritius offer distinct Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs.

Egypt requires a $250,000 non-refundable contribution or investment in approved real estate or business.

Mauritius offers a Permanent Residency by Investment route, requiring a $375,000 real estate investment for a 20-year residence permit, with citizenship eligibility after seven years.

Nigeria's potential CBI program may follow either model, depending on its economic priorities and political stance.

CIB as bait for foreign investors?

Nigeria's House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards granting citizenship to foreign investors who meet specific financial thresholds.

The Citizenship by Investment Bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu and other lawmakers passed its second reading and aims to introduce a new class of citizenship known as citizenship by investment.

This move is designed to attract substantial foreign direct investment by offering nationality to individuals who make significant economic contributions to the country.

Although specific details about Nigeria’s program—such as the minimum investment threshold, qualifying sectors, and application criteria—are yet to be unveiled, experts suggest it could include investments in real estate, government bonds, or key economic sectors like petroleum, manufacturing and technology.

The proposed alteration aims to attract foreign direct investment by granting Nigerian citizenship to individuals who invest in the Nigerian economy above a specified financial threshold or in strategic sectors critical to national development.

If implemented successfully, Nigeria’s citizenship by investment program could reshape its economic landscape, making it a more attractive destination for global investors while strengthening its position as a major African economic hub.

By Solomon Ekanem, Business Insider Africa

Visa To Set Up A Data Centre In Nigeria

Visa has announced an investment into the construction of a state-of-the-art data center in Nigeria. This was revealed by Visa’s regional president, Andrew Torre, during a visit to Vice President Kashim Shettima.

This move signals a leap forward for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and is more than just a corporate expansion. It is a strategic play to solidify Nigeria’s position in the global tech landscape. For years, Nigeria has relied on external data infrastructure. This has led to slow data processing (latency), concerns about data ownership (sovereignty), and vulnerability to disruptions outside the country.

Visa’s data center aims to solve these problems by bringing data storage and processing closer to home. This translates to faster, more reliable online transactions for everyone, from everyday consumers to large businesses.

Andrew Torre said that this project complements Visa’s existing $1 billion investment in Nigeria. This includes partnerships with Moniepoint for digital payment solutions, Interswitch, and ThriveAgric, supporting smallholder farmers and food security. The data center, however, is designed to bring new technologies to the Nigerian market, further fueling the nation’s digital economy.

Vice-President Shettima warmly welcomed Visa’s expansion, highlighting the Nigerian government’s commitment to fostering partnerships and driving digital growth. He particularly praised Visa’s investment in ThriveAgric, aligning with the government’s focus on modernizing the agriculture sector. He stated that Nigeria is where the action is noting the country’s leading position in Africa’s fintech scene.

The impact will range from faster online payments, smoother e-commerce experiences, and more reliable digital services across all sectors. This increased efficiency will stimulate economic growth and create a more robust digital ecosystem. Beyond speed, the data center addresses data sovereignty. Keeping data within Nigeria’s borders ensures greater control and security, empowering businesses and consumers alike.

By Sonya Israni, CIO Africa

Super Eagles bid for World Cup 2026 falters - Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe

Nigeria's hopes of a place at the 2026 Fifa World Cup are back in the balance after Zimbabwe netted a last-minute equaliser to leave the West Africans off the pace in Group C.

A diving header from Victor Osimhen had put the Super Eagles on the brink of a second successive victory, but on-loan Huddersfield forward Tawanda Chirewa stunned the home crowd in Uyo when he poked past Stanley Nwabali in the 90th minute.

After six rounds of the 10-match group campaign Nigeria have slipped to six points behind leaders South Africa, who secured a 2-0 away win against Benin through efforts from Burnley striker Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams.

Nigeria, who missed out on the 2022 finals in Qatar, are fourth in the group, a point behind Rwanda and Benin.

Only the nine group winners will qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament next year.

The four best second-placed sides will play off for a spot at an intercontinental tournament which will decide the final spots in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

After failing to win their first four games in Group C, pressure had been on Nigeria and their new coach Eric Chelle to take maximum points from their two fixtures this month.

Nigeria started with purpose against Zimbabwe, forcing visiting goalkeeper Washington Arubi into six saves in the opening 10 minutes.

Osimhen, who struck both goals in the 2-0 win over Rwanda on Friday, saw a volley from an acute angle tipped behind and his header from the resulting corner brilliantly clawed away.

After Alex Iwobi and substitute Tolu Arokodare had gone close it looked like Osimhen had given the Super Eagles another vital three points when he converted Ola Aina's cross in the 74th minute.

Zimbabwe almost levelled straight away when Nwabali failed to claim a cross from the left and Knowledge Musona stabbed against the crossbar.

And, after the Warriors silenced the Uyo crowd when Chirewa placed a calm finish under Nwabali at the death, Nigeria now need other results to go their way to force themselves back into contention.

BBC