A United States-based policy advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of opposing the release of US law enforcement records linked to allegations of drug trafficking.
The firm made the claim in a post on its verified X account on Saturday, alleging that Tinubu had asked a US court not to compel the Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to release the records.
According to the firm, the President relied on privacy rights in opposing the release of the documents, which it said relate to allegations of heroin trafficking.
Von Batten-Montague-York alleged that Tinubu argued the records were being sought for political purposes and could be used to influence politics in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The firm also claimed that the President argued that the Nigerian public’s interest in his background and suitability for office did not, by itself, create a right under the US Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to access withheld law enforcement records.
“President Tinubu goes on to essentially argue that even the Nigerian public’s interest in his background and fitness for office does not give the public a right under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA, to obtain the withheld information in his law-enforcement records.”
The firm concluded its post by questioning the significance of the development for Nigerians.
“Nigerians, this is your President.”
The latest claim relates to an ongoing legal dispute in the United States over requests for the release of records concerning allegations involving Tinubu.
According to reports, US District Judge Beryl Howell granted additional time to the office of US Attorney Jeanine Pirro to respond to a motion seeking the release of the records.
Tinubu had previously joined the US Department of Justice’s request for a 10-day extension to respond to the motion seeking access to documents connected to the allegations.
The records being sought relate to historical allegations concerning drug trafficking that have repeatedly featured in political and legal debates involving Tinubu.
Tinubu has denied wrongdoing and has previously challenged claims linking him to drug trafficking.
The latest comments by Von Batten-Montague-York represent the firm’s interpretation of Tinubu’s position in the US litigation. They do not establish that the President engaged in drug trafficking, nor do they establish that the records contain evidence proving such allegations.
The court proceedings will determine whether the requested law enforcement records can be released under applicable US law.
The dispute comes ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, in which Tinubu is seeking another term in office.
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