The Federal High Court Abuja on Wednesday dismissed the fundamental rights suit filed by the fleeing Binance Executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla against the Office Of the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Following the absence of Anjarwalla’s legal team during the proceedings, Justice Inyang Ekwo rendered the verdict, according to Nairametrics.
Recall Anjarwalla 3 months ago, had requested that the court rule that the detention he was subjected to by Nigerian government officials was unlawful and grant him a cost award.
“The continued detention of the Applicant by the Respondents is causing immense hardship and emotional stress on the Applicant, his wife and children, and other members of his family,” he stated.
Tonye Krukrubo, SAN, had resigned without giving any explanation from representing Nadeem Anjarwalla in court.
This followed confirmation by the NSA that Anjarwalla had fled the nation amid his escape from custody.
After he verbally applied for resignation from the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/355/2024, Justice Ekwo declared that Anjarwalla no longer had legal representation in his suit.
The judge adjourned for the applicant to do the needful.
Anjarwalla’s case was mentioned by the court registrar during Wednesday’s resumed proceedings, although neither party had legal counsel present.
According to Justice Ekwo, when the issue was brought up three months ago, Krukrubo requested permission to drop it so that the applicant could hire another attorney.
“It appears that that has not happened,” Ekwo said.
As a result, the judge struck out the fundamental rights case.
“Therefore, I make an order striking out this case for want of diligent prosecution,” he said.
The Federal Government of Nigeria via FIRS had filed criminal charges against Binance, a well-known cryptocurrency exchange platform, to maintain fiscal accountability and protect the country’s economic integrity; Executives from Binance, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, were joined in the lawsuit as second and third defendants.
