**News Flash: Binance Tax Evasion Verdict Scheduled for October 2024**

A High Court in Abuja has set October 11, 2024, for the verdict in Binance's tax evasion trial. The cryptocurrency giant faces four charges, including failure to register with Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

- **Court Appearance:** Binance’s lawyer, Ayodele Omotilewa, pleaded not guilty and urged the judge to dismiss the charges, citing lack of substance.

- **Previous Dismissals:** In June, charges against Binance executives Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla were dropped, though they still face money laundering allegations.

- **Background:** Nigerian authorities detained the executives in February over tax evasion and money laundering claims. Binance has called for the charges to be dismissed, attributing Nigeria's currency issues to broader economic factors.

- **Regulatory Crackdown:** Nigeria's National Security Adviser and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have intensified scrutiny on cryptocurrency activities, viewing them as national security risks. The CBN has mandated fintech companies to monitor and report crypto transactions.

Stay tuned for further updates as the case progresses.