Tinubu FBI records: Agency seeks secret court filing over safety, investigative methods - Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

Tinubu FBI records: Agency seeks secret court filing over safety, investigative methods

Published

52 minutes ago

on

Tinubu FBI records: Agency seeks secret court filing over safety, investigative methods

Tinubu FBI records: Agency seeks secret court filing over safety, investigative methods

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has asked a federal court in Washington, D.C., to allow it to privately explain why some investigative records relating to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remain withheld, arguing that publicly disclosing the full basis for the redactions could expose sensitive law-enforcement techniques and potentially endanger individuals.

The FBI made the request in a filing dated August 20, 2026, in an ongoing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit brought by Aaron Greenspan, the founder of PlainSite, who is seeking historical US government records connected to investigations involving Tinubu and allegations of drug trafficking.

The agency is asking the US District Court for the District of Columbia to permit it to submit confidential declarations ex parte and in camera. This would allow the FBI to provide its full explanation directly to Judge Beryl Howell, under seal and without making the information available to the other parties or the public.

The FBI said the request is necessary because publicly setting out the complete justification for withholding some of the records could reveal the information it is seeking to protect.

“The FBI has determined that it cannot provide on the public record the full basis for the application of Exemptions 7(E) and 7(F) to certain withholdings,” the agency said in its filing, arguing that an ex parte, under-seal declaration is therefore necessary.

Under the US FOIA, Exemption 7(E) can protect information that would disclose law-enforcement techniques or procedures, while Exemption 7(F) covers information whose disclosure could reasonably be expected to endanger an individual’s life or physical safety.

The FBI has also relied on FOIA Exemptions 6, 7(C) and 7(D) in processing the records sought by Greenspan. The exemptions broadly address personal privacy, confidential sources and other protected information obtained during law-enforcement investigations.

The agency has not said that Tinubu is the person whose life or safety could be endangered by disclosure. Rather, the potential danger cited in the filing relates to the statutory basis for applying Exemption 7(F).

If Judge Howell approves the request, the FBI said it intends to submit its confidential declaration explaining the disputed withholdings by August 28, 2026.

READ ALSO:

Greenspan has filed multiple FOIA requests seeking historical records from US federal agencies relating to a criminal investigation into a Chicago-based heroin trafficking organisation that operated in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

His requests include the FBI’s “entire FBI file” on Tinubu, as well as FBI Form 302 interview records involving Tinubu in a case covering the period between 1992 and 1993.

The records sought concern four individuals identified in the litigation: Tinubu, Lee Andrew Edwards, Mueez Adegboyega Akande and Abiodun Agbele.

The requests were submitted to several US agencies, including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Executive Office for United States Attorneys and Department of State. The CIA was subsequently added to the case.

Several of the agencies initially issued what is known as a “Glomar response”, declining to confirm or deny whether records relating to the individuals existed.

Greenspan challenged the agencies’ responses through the US Department of Justice’s Office of Information Policy before taking the dispute to federal court.

He filed the lawsuit on June 12, 2023, challenging the agencies’ refusal to confirm or deny the existence of the requested records.

A major development came in April 2025, when Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the FBI and DEA could no longer rely on their Glomar responses concerning the disputed records.

Howell found that the agencies had not established sufficient privacy interests to justify refusing to confirm or deny whether records existed concerning Tinubu.

The judge ordered the FBI and DEA to lift their Glomar responses, although she upheld the CIA’s Glomar response.

The ruling was significant because it opened the way for the agencies to address the existence of the requested records rather than simply refusing to acknowledge whether they had them.

However, the ruling did not amount to a finding that Tinubu committed drug trafficking or any other criminal offence.

The case is a FOIA litigation over access to government records, not a criminal prosecution of Tinubu.

The court’s decision also did not require every requested document to be released without redactions. US law allows agencies to withhold information where they can establish that specific FOIA exemptions apply.

The latest filing concerns records that the FBI says remain protected from disclosure even after the earlier Glomar dispute.

The agency is effectively asking Judge Howell to examine the sensitive material and its justification for withholding it without requiring the FBI to reveal publicly the investigative methods, sources or safety-related information it says are protected.

The request therefore represents a further legal dispute over how much of the Tinubu FBI records can be released, rather than a blanket decision to keep the entire file secret.

The FBI’s filing also does not reveal what the withheld records contain. It only explains why the agency believes portions of the material qualify for continued protection under federal law.

The development comes amid another dispute over the timing of the government’s response in the case.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) recently asked Judge Howell for an additional 10 days to respond to a court order concerning the records. The judge granted only four additional days, setting August 21, 2026, as the deadline.

Tinubu, through his legal team, subsequently joined the DOJ’s request for the longer extension.

The court’s deadline does not necessarily mean that all the requested records will be released immediately. The dispute still involves questions about applicable FOIA exemptions, redactions and whether the government has adequately justified withholding particular portions of the records.

The latest FBI request adds another issue for the court to consider: whether the agency should be allowed to provide some of its evidence and explanations privately because publicly disclosing them could undermine the very protections it is invoking.

The renewed attention on the Tinubu FBI records has generated political and public interest because the underlying FOIA requests concern historical allegations involving drug trafficking.

However, the latest FBI filing should not be interpreted as confirmation of those allegations.

The FBI has not publicly disclosed the contents of the withheld material, and the court has not found Tinubu guilty of drug trafficking based on the records at issue.

The ongoing proceedings are focused on whether the US government has complied with the Freedom of Information Act and whether particular information can legally be withheld under recognised exemptions.

The court will ultimately determine whether the FBI has provided sufficient grounds for keeping the disputed material confidential and whether any additional records should be released.

Tinubu FBI records: Agency seeks secret court filing over safety, investigative methods

Loading

Related Topics:
Advertisement

metro

Just In: FG Announces Public Holiday – Here’s When Nigerians Will Get Break

Published

27 minutes ago

on

August 21, 2026

By

Just In: FG Announces Public Holiday – Here's When Nigerians Will Get Break
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

Just In: FG Announces Public Holiday – Here’s When Nigerians Will Get Break

In a move that has sparked excitement across the country, the Federal Government has made an official declaration that will see workers nationwide enjoy a well-deserved break from their daily routines. The announcement, which came through the Ministry of Interior on Friday, has sent waves of anticipation through offices and businesses as citizens begin making plans for the upcoming holiday.

The Federal Government has officially declared a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, which marks the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The declaration gives workers across the country a break and provides Muslim faithful an opportunity to observe the occasion with prayers, religious activities, and family gatherings. The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Friday, August 21, by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani. The announcement has been welcomed by Muslim communities across Nigeria, who are now preparing to mark the significant religious occasion with traditional observances and communal festivities.

READ ALSO:

In his goodwill message, Tunji-Ojo extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora, while also urging all Nigerians, regardless of their religious affiliations, to use the occasion as an opportunity for introspection and moral renewal. He emphasised that the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad offer timeless lessons that transcend religious boundaries and speak to the universal values of humanity. The minister stated that every Eid ul Mawlid gives citizens reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others, adding that these are qualities the nation needs now more than ever. He encouraged every Nigerian, not just Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them, underscoring the importance of embracing these virtues as a foundation for national transformation.

The minister stressed that the celebration period should serve as a time for collective prayer for peace, unity, and national cohesion, emphasising that the task of maintaining peace across the country requires the collective efforts of all citizens, irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. He called on citizens to observe the celebration with restraint, mutual respect, and consideration for one another, while wishing the Muslim community a joyous and peaceful Eid. Tunji-Ojo further noted that the occasion presents an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and foster a spirit of tolerance and understanding, which are essential for the nation’s progress and development.

Reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the minister assured Nigerians that the government remains dedicated to ensuring peace and stability across the nation at all times. He encouraged citizens to support initiatives designed to promote national unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, noting that sustainable development can only thrive in an environment of peace and security.

Eid ul Mawlid, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, is observed by Muslims in many parts of the world to honour the birth of Prophet Muhammad. In Nigeria, the occasion is usually marked with special prayers, religious gatherings, lectures, and charitable activities. The declaration means workers across the country will enjoy a day off from work on the designated day, giving many Nigerians an opportunity to rest, spend quality time with family, and participate in Eid ul Mawlid activities. Businesses, schools, and government offices are expected to remain closed on the holiday.

Just In: FG Announces Public Holiday – Here’s When Nigerians Will Get Break

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

Dry Cleaner Pleads Guilty to Stealing Senator Ireti Kingibe’s Jewellery Worth N45.7 Million

Published

35 minutes ago

on

August 21, 2026

By

Dry Cleaner Pleads Guilty to Stealing Senator Ireti Kingibe's Jewellery Worth N45.7 Million
Senator Ireti Kingibe

Abuja Dry Cleaner Pleads Guilty to Stealing Senator Ireti Kingibe’s Jewellery Worth N45.7 Million

A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Dutse, Abuja, has ordered the remand of a 52-year-old dry cleaner, Abdul Mohammed, who pleaded guilty to stealing expensive jewellery belonging to Senator Ireti Kingibe, the lawmaker representing the Federal Capital Territory in the National Assembly. The stolen items, which included gold bangles, necklaces, luxury wristwatches, and earrings, were allegedly sold by the suspect to two buyers for a total sum of N45.7 million.

Magistrate Abdullahi Ilelah gave the remand order on Friday following Mohammed’s guilty plea and adjourned the matter until September 21 for sentencing, allowing the court time to deliberate on the appropriate penalty for the offence .

The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim and the brazen breach of trust by a service provider who had been granted access to the senator’s residence. The prosecution told the court that Senator Kingibe, who resides in the upscale Zangon Daura Estate in Kado, Abuja, first reported the incident at the Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force on June 27 .

READ ALSO:

According to the prosecution counsel, Adama Musa, the dry cleaner gained unlawful entry into the complainant’s private room, where he forcefully broke open her jewellery box and carted away an assortment of high-value items . The offence, which contravenes Section 289 of the Penal Code Law, carries prescribed punishment for theft and related property offences .

During police investigation, Mohammed reportedly confessed to the crime and disclosed that he did not act alone in disposing of the stolen assets . The defendant admitted to selling all the stolen jewellery to two buyers, identified as Suleiman Isah and Isah Yusuf, both residents of the Federal Capital Territory, for a total sum of N45.7 million . This confession formed a crucial part of the evidence linking him to the crime.

The prosecution urged the court to proceed with sentencing without further delay, citing Section 112(8) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which empowers the court to act swiftly on guilty pleas in appropriate circumstances . The court is now expected to determine the legal consequences for the convicted dry cleaner when it reconvenes for sentencing on September 21 .

Dry Cleaner Pleads Guilty to Stealing Senator Ireti Kingibe’s Jewellery Worth N45.7 Million

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

Ooni of Ife, Other South-West Monarchs, Sunday Igboho Unite for Historic Security Summit in Ekiti

Published

42 minutes ago

on

August 21, 2026

By

Ooni of Ife, Other South-West Monarchs, Sunday Igboho Unite for Historic Security Summit in Ekiti
Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho

Ooni of Ife, Other South-West Monarchs, Sunday Igboho Unite for Historic Security Summit in Ekiti

In a historic show of unity, traditional rulers across the South-West geopolitical zone have finalized plans to hold a high-stakes security meeting with Yoruba nation activist and founder of the Iru Ekun Security Network, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho. The meeting, scheduled to take place today (Friday) in Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State, marks a major turning point in regional efforts to combat rising insecurity through collaborative community-based strategies.

The high-level gathering will be hosted by the Owa Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, and presided over by the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who also serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC). This convergence of royal authority and grassroots security activism underscores the urgent need for inclusive, homegrown solutions to the banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence threatening rural communities across the region.

According to a statement released by the Igboho media office on Friday, the stakeholders’ meeting will bring together monarchs from Oyo, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, and parts of Kwara State. The breadth of representation highlights the collective determination of South-West leaders to transcend political and ethnic divisions in pursuit of lasting peace. The meeting is expected to deliberate extensively on measures aimed at ensuring effective security architecture for the South West, with particular emphasis on synergizing local initiatives such as the Iru Ekun Security Network with existing state and federal security frameworks.

READ ALSO:

A central focus of the discussions will be the active involvement of traditional rulers in local security management. Given their deep-rooted connections to grassroots communities, monarchs are uniquely positioned to mediate disputes, gather intelligence, and foster trust between security agencies and the populace. The meeting will also address the prevention of inter-ethnic crises and the management of disputes between Yoruba communities and other ethnic nationalities residing in the South-West, reinforcing the region’s long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence.

In a notable departure from past tensions, the statement from Igboho’s media office commended federal security agencies—including the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other paramilitary bodies—for their “enormous support” of the Iru Ekun Security Network. The activist’s team assured the public of continued cooperation with all stakeholders in the security sector to sustain the prevailing peace and safety in the South West. This gesture of goodwill follows a significant reconciliation earlier in August 2026, when the Ooni of Ife publicly endorsed Igboho’s security initiative with a donation of ₦100 million and a Hilux vehicle, signaling a new era of collaboration between traditional institutions and civil society security advocates.

The statement specifically appreciated the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu; and the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for their visible efforts, which have contributed to a drastic reduction in cases of insecurity and other criminalities across Nigeria. This acknowledgment reflects a growing recognition that sustainable security requires a multi-stakeholder approach, where federal agencies, state governments, traditional rulers, and community networks work in tandem.

As the South-West grapples with complex security challenges, today’s meeting in Ijero Ekiti represents more than a routine consultation—it is a bold statement of intent. By bridging the gap between traditional authority and grassroots activism, the region’s leaders are charting a pragmatic path toward safer, more resilient communities. The outcomes of this historic gathering are likely to shape the trajectory of local security governance in Yorubaland for years to come.

Ooni of Ife, Other South-West Monarchs, Sunday Igboho Unite for Historic Security Summit in Ekiti

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending