Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a fundamental rights suit brought by Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance executive, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser. The case was dismissed due to the absence of Anjarwalla’s legal team during the proceedings.

Anjarwalla had sought a court declaration that his detention by Nigerian authorities was unlawful. He also filed a request for costs in his favor, citing the emotional and financial strain his detention had caused him and his family.

Earlier, Anjarwalla’s legal representative, Tonye Krukrubo, withdrew from the case without providing a specific reason. This withdrawal came after reports surfaced that Anjarwalla had fled the country following his detention. Krukrubo formally submitted a “Notice of Withdrawal of Legal Representation,” leading Justice Ekwo to acknowledge that Anjarwalla no longer had legal counsel in his suit.

The judge had previously adjourned the case, expecting Anjarwalla to secure new legal representation promptly. However, during the recent court proceedings, neither Anjarwalla nor any legal representatives appeared before Justice Ekwo.

Consequently, Justice Ekwo issued an order striking out the fundamental rights case.