Mike Ejiofor, the former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), has raised national and international concerns following the escape of Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla from custody. In an interview with ARISE NEWS, Ejiofor expressed scepticism and suggested that the incident either resulted from negligence or compromise.
Ejiofor questioned why the suspect was kept in the custody of the National Security Adviser (NSA) instead of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which was prosecuting the case. He emphasized that the escape raises serious questions about Nigeria’s image and the accountability of security agencies.
While acknowledging the swift response of the NSA in issuing a statement and initiating an investigation, Ejiofor criticized the apparent lapses in security procedures. He questioned how Anjarwalla had access to materials and the opportunity to abscond while in custody. Ejiofor also highlighted the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the escape or release of the suspect.
Furthermore, Ejiofor criticized the decision to house the suspect in a guest house, stating that it goes against established security procedures. He suggested that if the case were handled by the State Security Service (SSS), Anjarwalla’s name would have been placed on a watchlist, making it difficult for him to leave the country.
Ejiofor stressed the importance of bringing Anjarwalla back to face trial and holding those responsible for the lapses in security procedures accountable. He urged Nigerians to learn from past mistakes and ensure that there are consequences for wrongdoing, emphasizing that the sabotage is a crime against the state.
Overall, Ejiofor’s comments underscore the seriousness of the situation and the need for a comprehensive investigation to address the security lapses and apprehend the escaped suspect.