Amanze Chinonye
A U.S. federal judge has issued a stern warning to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) over years of delays in releasing records connected to Nigerian President Tinubu, ordering both agencies to comply with a strict schedule for disclosure.
The records, sought under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in 2022 by American transparency advocate Aaron Greenspan and supported by investigative journalist David Hundeyin, pertain to a Chicago-area narcotics investigation from the early 1990s. During that period, Tinubu reportedly forfeited $460,000 to the U.S. government.
Judge Beryl A. Howell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia criticised the FBI and DEA for repeatedly missing court-imposed deadlines and failing to provide clear timelines for document release.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a ruling dated February 3, 2026, she described the agencies’ repeated extensions as unacceptable and warned that future delays would not be tolerated.
The court noted that while the FBI had outlined plans to release 2,500 pages of records in batches of 500 per month in 2023, the process was interrupted after Tinubu objected, citing potential implications for his presidential election, which was then pending before Nigeria’s Supreme Court. The judge had allowed the temporary pause at the time. Even after the Supreme Court affirmed Tinubu’s victory, the FBI and DEA continued to seek extensions, prompting Judge Howell’s latest admonishment.
READ ALSO : US Judge Delays Release Of Tinubu’s Chicago University Records After Appeal
The judge criticised the FBI for failing to release a single document despite projected completion dates moving from August 2025 to September, then December, January 2026, and again February, with little explanation. The DEA, while having released some records, was ordered to justify why others remain withheld. It was directed to submit a detailed Vaughn index for 50 redacted pages and 172 withheld pages and to provide sworn affidavits explaining the status of 12 remaining documents.
Judge Howell also demanded sworn statements from the FBI explaining its repeated failures to meet court timelines. The ruling makes clear that the judiciary will not allow continued delays and emphasises the importance of timely transparency in FOIA cases.
President Tinubu has consistently denied involvement in drug trafficking, maintaining that he committed no wrongdoing. U.S. authorities have never charged him in connection with the investigation.
Legal analysts say the judge’s orders underscore growing frustration with prolonged FOIA non-compliance and reaffirm the court’s commitment to ensuring government transparency, even when requests concern a foreign head of state.
The court also directed the FBI and DEA to file joint status reports every two weeks, beginning February 27, until all responsive records have been processed and made public.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
