The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) counsel, Moses Idehu, told the court that the charges needed to be amended following the escape of Binance Nadeem Anjarwalla from custody.
Jerrymusa.com reports that He said it was a necessary amendment to reflect Anjarwalla’s position in the instant charge since he had fled.
“We apply to substitute our charge dated March 22, 2024, with an amended charge dated May 17, 2024. We humbly apply, my lord, that the charge be read to the 1st and 2nd defendants (Binance and Gambaryan) to take their plea.”
Binance’s lawyer, Chukwuka Ikwuazo (SAN), whose appearance was for both defendants, objected to the fresh charge being read to his clients. He insisted that he had just been served in court and had not had time to go through the charges, and was unaware of their contents.
“I, as counsel for the 2nd defendant, was served this morning. I have not had time to check. At the very least, I should be given time as counsel for the 2nd defendant.”
The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, ruled that FIRS could serve Binance (the company) through Gambaryan, its Chief Financial Compliance Officer, as the company’s representative in Nigeria.
The matter was adjourned until May 22 for arraignment. The defendants face a four-count charge bordering on tax evasion, punishable under various sections of the VAT Act, FIRS Establishment Act, and Companies Income Tax Act.