US Judge Orders FBI, DEA to Release Tinubu’s Criminal Records, Faults Delays

US Judge Orders FBI, DEA to Release Tinubu’s Criminal Records, Faults Delays

A United States federal judge has ordered the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to release non-exempt criminal investigation records linked to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following prolonged delays by the agencies in complying with transparency obligations.

The ruling was delivered by Judge Beryl Howell of the US District Court for the District of Columbia in a case arising from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit seeking access to records connected to Tinubu’s alleged past drug-related investigations in the United States. The court expressed strong dissatisfaction with what it described as repeated and unjustified delays by the FBI and DEA.

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In her decision, the judge directed both agencies to complete comprehensive searches for all records relating to Bola Tinubu and to begin the phased release of all non-exempt documents without further delay. The agencies were also ordered to account for missed deadlines and provide clear timelines for the disclosure of any remaining records, while lawfully justifying any redactions under FOIA exemptions.

The court clarified that the ruling does not amount to a criminal conviction, indictment, or finding of guilt against Tinubu. Instead, it is strictly an administrative order focused on enforcing transparency and public access to government records under US law.

The FOIA lawsuit traces its roots to historic US investigations from the 1990s, including a drug-trafficking probe that led to asset forfeiture proceedings. Although some documents from that era have long been publicly available, the case seeks to compel US authorities to disclose any additional records still held by federal agencies.

Previous rulings in the matter had already dismissed claims that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) possessed relevant files, with the court stating there was no evidence the intelligence agency ever maintained records connected to Tinubu.

Reacting to the ruling, Nigeria’s Presidency has maintained that the documents contain no new revelations, insisting that the issue has been publicly addressed for decades. Government officials cautioned against misinterpreting the court’s decision as proof of wrongdoing or fresh criminal exposure.

Despite widespread online claims, the US court did not order the immediate release of all records in a single batch, nor did it direct any form of arrest, detention, or prosecution. The order strictly concerns document disclosure under FOIA, subject to lawful exemptions and redactions.

US Judge Orders FBI, DEA to Release Tinubu’s Criminal Records, Faults Delays