A United States federal judge, Beryl A. Howell, has openly criticised the FBI and the DEA over what she described as unacceptable delays in releasing records linked to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
The documents were requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by transparency advocate Aaron Greenspan in 2022.
What the records are about
The files relate to a 1990s narcotics investigation in the United States, during which Tinubu reportedly forfeited $460,000 to the US government.
Judge Howell: “Enough is enough”
In a ruling dated February 3, the judge expressed frustration that the case has dragged on for over three years without real progress.
She noted that:
- The FBI and DEA have repeatedly missed court deadlines
- The agencies keep proposing new dates without clear reasons
- The FBI has reportedly not released a single document, despite earlier promises
Tinubu’s objection slowed earlier release
In 2023, the FBI planned to release about 2,500 pages in batches.
However, the release was paused after Tinubu objected, arguing it could affect him while his election victory was still being challenged at Nigeria’s Supreme Court.
Even after the Supreme Court upheld his victory, the agencies continued requesting more extensions.
DEA ordered to explain withheld pages
Judge Howell also ordered the DEA to:
- Provide a detailed Vaughn index explaining why 50 pages were redacted
- Explain why 172 pages were withheld
- File sworn affidavits for remaining records
FBI also ordered to file sworn explanations
The judge demanded sworn statements from the FBI to explain its repeated failure to meet deadlines.
Tinubu maintains innocence
President Tinubu has repeatedly denied any involvement in drug trafficking and insists he committed no wrongdoing.
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