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Presidency breaks silence on Tinubu’s US FOIA case, denies criminal trial

Published

2 months ago

September 4, 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Presidency breaks silence on Tinubu’s US FOIA case, denies criminal trial

The Presidency has clarified that the ongoing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) litigation involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu before a United States federal court is a civil dispute over access to government records and does not constitute a criminal case against the Nigerian President.

The clarification was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, amid renewed controversy over records sought from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) concerning Tinubu.

According to the Presidency, the case before the US District Court for the District of Columbia does not amount to a criminal charge or trial, and no court has found Tinubu guilty of any criminal offence.

“For clarity, the matter is a civil records-disclosure dispute under the United States Freedom of Information Act. It is not a criminal case against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, nor has the court found him guilty of any criminal wrongdoing,” the statement said.

The Presidency said the matter dates back to 2022, when Aaron Greenspan submitted FOIA requests to several US government agencies seeking records relating to Tinubu.

It said some agencies withheld records or declined to confirm or deny whether certain records existed, prompting Greenspan to file Civil Action No. 23-1816 before the US District Court for the District of Columbia in 2023.

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The court subsequently allowed Tinubu to intervene in the proceedings, giving him an opportunity to assert his interests concerning the disclosure of records.

The Presidency also referred to a February 4, 2003 letter from the American Consulate in Lagos to the then Inspector-General of Police, Tafa Balogun, concerning an FBI records search relating to Tinubu.

According to the Presidency, the letter stated that the FBI search found no criminal arrest records, wants or warrants for Tinubu, who was then Governor of Lagos State.

The issue has resurfaced amid renewed public debate over historical US records concerning Tinubu and events dating back to the early 1990s.

The Presidency further explained that some US law enforcement agencies initially relied on what is known as the “Glomar defence” in responding to the FOIA requests.

A Glomar response allows a government agency, in certain circumstances, to refuse to confirm or deny whether particular records exist where acknowledging their existence could itself reveal information protected under law.

According to the Presidency, the US District Court subsequently granted summary judgment in favour of several agencies, including the CIA, Executive Office for United States Attorneys, Department of State, Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service, effectively removing them from the remaining dispute.

It said certain aspects involving the FBI and DEA remained under consideration.

The Presidency said the FBI and DEA subsequently produced 399 pages of records pursuant to the court’s directions, although portions of the documents were redacted.

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The plaintiff later challenged the agencies’ decisions to redact portions of the records and sought access to the unredacted material.

The FBI and DEA, through the US Department of Justice, opposed the request, relying on several exemptions contained in the US FOIA.

The exemptions cited include protections for information relating to grand jury proceedings, certain surveillance-related information, attorney-client and attorney-work-product privileges, law-enforcement records, personal privacy, confidential sources and investigative techniques.

The Presidency said Tinubu also relied on FOIA Exemption 7(C), which protects personal information contained in law-enforcement records where disclosure could constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

It stressed that the release or withholding of government records under FOIA does not, by itself, establish criminal liability.

“The release or withholding of records under FOIA does not, by itself, establish criminal liability. The case concerns access to government records and the proper application of statutory exemptions,” the Presidency said.

It added that the current proceedings do not amount to a criminal prosecution, criminal trial or judicial finding against Tinubu.

Rather, the remaining dispute centres on whether the FBI and DEA lawfully redacted portions of the records produced in response to the FOIA requests.

The Presidency said the case remains before Judge Beryl A. Howell of the US District Court for the District of Columbia, who will determine the outstanding issues based on the court filings, evidence, applicable US law and arguments presented by the parties.

“The Nigerian media should note that this case is exclusively within the control of Judge Beryl A. Howell of the United States District Court. She will determine its outcome, based on the evidence, applicable law, and the parties’ arguments,” the statement said.

The Presidency also rejected recent comments by Karl Von Batten, arguing that he and his client were not parties to the FOIA proceedings.

It accused Von Batten of inaccurately portraying himself and his client as central figures in the case.

“Recent public commentary by Mr. Karl von Batten has inaccurately portrayed him and his client as central to the proceedings. Neither is a party to the case,” the Presidency said.

According to the Presidency, the plaintiff has until September 11, 2026, to file opposition and responses to processes filed by the defendants and Tinubu as an intervenor.

It added that the FBI, DEA and Tinubu would have until September 18, 2026, to respond to any processes filed by the plaintiff.

The Presidency urged the Nigerian media and the public to distinguish between the actual court proceedings and political commentary surrounding the case.

It maintained that the court, rather than political actors, would determine whether the disputed redactions complied with US law.

The clarification, however, does not determine what information may ultimately be contained in the portions of the FBI and DEA records that remain redacted. It also does not constitute a judicial finding about whether any historical investigation involving Tinubu existed.

Instead, the Presidency’s position is that the current US court proceedings are civil FOIA litigation over access to government records, rather than a criminal prosecution of Tinubu.

The court is expected to determine whether the FBI and DEA were legally entitled to withhold or redact the disputed portions of the records under applicable US law.

Presidency breaks silence on Tinubu’s US FOIA case, denies criminal trial

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Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71, Three Days to 72nd Birthday

Published

9 minutes ago

October 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Emmanuel Uduaghan

Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71, Three Days to 72nd Birthday

ASABA — The political landscape of Delta State and Nigeria at large was thrown into mourning on Monday following the demise of former Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who passed away at the age of 71.

According to a statement released by his family, the former two-term governor died in the early hours of Monday, October 19, 2026, following a brief illness. His passing comes just three days shy of his 72nd birthday, as he was born on October 22, 1954.

The family’s statement, signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan, described the death as an “immeasurable loss.” They remembered the late politician as a “source of strength, a father figure, a beloved brother and uncle, and a respected elder” whose life and service touched countless people across Delta State and the nation.

A Legacy of Service

Dr. Uduaghan leaves behind a robust political legacy that spanned over a decade and a half in the public service of Delta State.

He began his political career as the Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003 under the administration of Governor James Ibori. His administrative acumen saw him elevated to the position of Secretary to the State Government (SSG) from 2003 to 2007, a role in which he played a pivotal part in the state’s governance structure.

In 2007, he successfully contested and won the governorship seat, succeeding his mentor, Ibori. He was re-elected for a second term, governing the oil-rich state until 2015. During his tenure, Uduaghan was widely known for his “Delta Beyond Oil” economic diversification agenda, an initiative aimed at shifting the state’s economic dependence from crude oil to agriculture, infrastructure, and human capital development. He was also fondly referred to as the “Talk and Do” governor due to his penchant for completing projects.

Outpouring of Grief

Following the announcement, tributes have begun to pour in from across the country. Political associates, friends, and constituents have taken to social media and traditional media to express their shock and sorrow at the passing of the former governor.

Many recall his time in office as a period of relative peace and infrastructural growth in Delta State. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of their patriarch.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.

Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71, Three Days to 72nd Birthday

metro

Farmers-Herders Clash in Abuja Leaves Three Dead as Houses, Shops Burn

Published

7 hours ago

October 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Farmers-Herders Clash in Abuja Leaves Three Dead as Houses, Shops Burn

At least three people have reportedly been killed in a renewed farmers-herders clash in Paikon-Kore community, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with several others injured and properties destroyed.

The violence, which reportedly began on Saturday afternoon and continued until Sunday morning, October 18, left houses, shops and a motorcycle burnt, while goods in the affected shops were destroyed.

However, another report put the death toll at five, with eyewitnesses saying both farmers and herders were among those killed. The exact number of casualties had yet to be officially confirmed as of the time of reporting.

A resident, Danlami Ibrahim, said the latest confrontation began after cattle allegedly entered a groundnut farm containing crops that were yet to be harvested.

According to him, the farm owner confronted the herders, leading to an argument that escalated into violence. One of the herders allegedly attacked a farmer with a cutlass, severing one of his hands.

The incident reportedly triggered anger among residents and led to retaliatory attacks in which three herders were said to have been killed. Several other people sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals in Gwagwalada for treatment.

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The Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gwagwalada Area Council chapter, Mohammed Usman, confirmed that three herders had died, although he said he was still gathering information about the number of injured people.

Usman said he had informed the Gwagwalada Area Council chairman, Kasim Mohammed Ikwa, about the incident.

Ikwa visited the affected community on Sunday alongside the Divisional Police Officer, SP Aaron H. Kaura, and other security personnel. He condemned the violence and called on residents to remain calm.

The council chairman said a stakeholders’ meeting would be convened to address the crisis and identify ways to prevent further clashes. He urged farmers, herders, youths and community leaders to embrace dialogue and avoid retaliatory attacks.

Ikwa also advised farmers whose crops were damaged by cattle to report such incidents to security agencies rather than resort to self-help. He urged residents to cooperate with security personnel deployed to restore peace.

The FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, had yet to publicly respond to enquiries about the incident as of the time of the report.

The latest violence follows previous confrontations in Paikon-Kore and neighbouring communities, including a clash in August that reportedly left a farmer with a severed hand and three other people with machete injuries.

Recurring disputes over cattle grazing, destruction of crops, access to farmland and grazing routes have fuelled tensions between farming and herding communities across parts of the FCT.

Herders have also complained about the encroachment of designated grazing areas by farms, housing estates and other developments, while farmers have repeatedly raised concerns about livestock entering their fields and destroying crops.

The Federal Government has identified the FCT as one of the priority areas for efforts to address farmers-herders conflicts. The Ministry of Livestock Development has also announced plans to work with the FCT Administration and pastoralist groups to rehabilitate grazing reserves and improve livestock management.

Security analysts have called for stronger early-warning systems, impartial law enforcement, compensation for damaged crops and effective mediation to prevent local disputes from escalating into deadly violence.

The latest clash has renewed concerns about the safety of rural communities around Abuja and the need for a lasting solution to recurring disputes between farmers and herders.

Farmers-Herders Clash in Abuja Leaves Three Dead as Houses, Shops Burn

metro

Ogun House Fire Horror: Husband Arrested After Wife Dies Following Domestic Dispute

Published

9 hours ago

October 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni

Ogun House Fire Horror: Husband Arrested After Wife Dies Following Domestic Dispute

Police in Ogun State have arrested a 56-year-old man, Madarikan Emehinola, following the death of his 40-year-old wife, Igbagbo Erobe, in a house fire in Igbo-Edu, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

The incident, suspected to be a case of arson, reportedly occurred at about 8:30pm following a domestic dispute, according to an eyewitness quoted by PUNCH Metro.

The Ogun State Police Command said the incident was reported at the Abigi Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday, October 18, 2026, after information was received that a residential building had been set ablaze, resulting in the woman’s death.

The suspect was subsequently arrested as investigators began efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The eyewitness account suggests that the fire occurred after a disagreement between the couple. However, the precise sequence of events leading to the fire, the cause of the blaze and whether it was deliberately set have yet to be conclusively established by the police.

The deceased’s body has been deposited at a mortuary for a post-mortem examination to help determine the cause of death and provide further evidence for the investigation.

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The police said the case was being processed for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for a more detailed investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, assured residents that the matter would be investigated thoroughly and professionally in accordance with the law.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that allegations involving serious crimes receive appropriate investigative attention.

The police also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities and provide credible information that could assist investigators in establishing what happened.

Although the incident is being investigated as suspected arson, the available information has not conclusively established how the fire started or the motive behind it. The eyewitness account of a domestic dispute is an allegation that investigators will need to examine alongside other evidence.

The outcome of the post-mortem examination and further police inquiries is expected to provide additional information about the woman’s death.

The suspect’s arrest does not establish guilt. He remains entitled to due process as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal fire.