FBI, DEA fail to release Tinubu drug records

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, have jointly requested an extension of 90 days from a United States District Court to complete the release of documents related to an alleged decades-old drug investigation involving Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.

The request, filed Thursday with the US District Court for the District of Columbia, is part of an ongoing Freedom of Information Act lawsuit initiated by Aaron Greenspan, a transparency advocate and founder of PlainSite. Greenspan is seeking investigative records that potentially link Tinubu to a Chicago drug ring from the 1990s.

Judge Beryl Howell had earlier mandated the FBI and DEA to update the court on their efforts to search for and release non-exempt documents by May 2, 2025. However, both agencies now say they require more time to locate and review responsive, non-exempt, and reasonably segregable records.

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In a joint status report submitted on May 1, the agencies indicated that the search had commenced but could not be completed before the original deadline. They proposed July 31, 2025, as the new date for the next court update.

Greenspan rejected the proposed delay, arguing that many of the requested documents have already been identified and that unredacted versions should be made available immediately. He instead called for a 14-day deadline for full disclosure.

The report also notes that Greenspan intends to seek reimbursement for his legal costs, including a $402 filing fee and $38.22 in postage.

The case has garnered significant attention given the sensitivity of the allegations and Tinubu’s position as Nigeria’s sitting president. The outcome of the FOIA suit could potentially shape public perception and diplomatic relations depending on the findings released.

Crediblenewsng.com