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No Cause For Alarm, Presidency dismisses US court order on Tinubu’s records
The Presidency on Sunday dismissed any notion of fresh revelations emerging from a United States court order directing the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration to release files on President Bola Tinubu’s past investigation.
It insisted that the records, which date back to a drug trafficking investigation in Chicago from the early 1990s, have been publicly available for over three decades and posed no fresh concerns for the President.
This followed a ruling by Judge Beryl Howell of the U.S. District Court in Washington, DC, who instructed both agencies to conduct searches and process non-exempt documents in response to Freedom of Information Act requests filed by American legal researcher Aaron Greenspan.
A copy of the court decision, obtained Sunday, shows that the FBI and DEA must comply with Greenspan’s FOIA submissions related to a Chicago-based narcotics ring from the early 1990s—“involving Tinubu and three others: Lee Andrew Edwards, Mueez Akande, and Abiodun Agbele.”
“The FBI and DEA have both officially confirmed investigations of Tinubu relating to the drug trafficking ring,” the court stated, adding that “privacy interests are outweighed by the public interest in the release of such information.”
Reacting to the development, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said, “There is nothing new to be revealed. The report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA has been in the public space for more than 30 years. The reports did not indict the Nigerian leader.”
Onanuga confirmed that government lawyers were reviewing the US judge’s ruling, arguing that the documents add no fresh dimension to Tinubu’s past.
The order, issued by Judge Howell on April 8, mandates the FBI and DEA to conduct searches and process any non-exempt documents in response to Freedom of Information Act requests filed by American legal researcher Aaron Greenspan.
Greenspan, who runs the transparency platform PlainSite, submitted 12 FOIA requests between 2022 and 2023.
His filings sought information on a Chicago-based drug trafficking operation from the early 1990s and included requests for records concerning Tinubu and three others: Lee Andrew Edwards, Mueez Akande, and Abiodun Agbele.
Until now, the FBI and DEA had issued “Glomar responses,” declining to confirm or deny the existence of the records. However, the court ruled that such responses were not justified in this case.
It stated that both agencies had effectively confirmed the existence of investigations involving Tinubu and must now proceed with releasing relevant materials unless they are legally exempt.
In her decision, Judge Howell stressed that any potential privacy concerns were outweighed by the public interest in the case. The ruling noted that the agencies failed to provide sufficient justification for withholding the information.
The judgment read, “The FBI and DEA have both officially confirmed investigations of Tinubu relating to the drug trafficking ring.
“Any privacy interests implicated by the FOIA requests to the FBI and DEA for records about Tinubu are overcome by the public interest in release of such information.
“Since the FBI and DEA have provided no information to establish that a cognizable privacy interest exists in keeping secret the fact that Tinubu was a subject of criminal investigation.
“They have failed to meet their burden to sustain their Glomar responses and provide an additional reason why these responses must be lifted.”
While the FBI and DEA were ordered to comply with the FOIA requests, the court upheld the CIA’s decision to withhold records, after Greenspan acknowledged the agency had valid grounds under existing law.
All parties involved have been instructed to file a joint report on the progress of the case by May 2, 2025.
The judge ruled, “For the reasons discussed above, the plaintiff is entitled to summary judgment as to each of the four Glomar responses asserted by defendants FBI and DEA, while defendant CIA is entitled to summary judgment since its Glomar response was properly asserted.
“Accordingly, the FBI and DEA must search for and process non-exempt records responsive to the FOIA requests directed to these agencies.
“The CIA, meanwhile, is entitled to judgment in its favour in this case. The remaining parties are directed to file jointly, by May 2, 2025, a report on the status of any outstanding issues in this case, as described in the accompanying order.”
However, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, while speaking on Sunday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today, stated that the information being sought wouldn’t be different from what was already in the public domain.
According to him, the buzz around the news was mainly because of the way the media and opposition interpreted it.
He said, “Nothing’s new at all. So, let’s wait for the 2nd of May because there is actually nothing that they are seeking for which has not been released. I mean it is intended to create unnecessary conversation as if there is an issue on the table.
“Anyone occupying the Presidency must not be of tainted character,” Atiku said in a statement through his media aide, Paul Ibe. He added that the entire fiasco underscored the need for “full disclosure” on matters such as alleged forfeitures and academic credentials.
The former VP stated, “What it means is that the efforts of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will not be in vain, and what will be uncovered is His Excellency’s attempt to ascertain exactly what transpired – the circumstances surrounding the forfeiture of thousands of dollars allegedly linked to drug trafficking—and the issue concerning the Chicago State University certificate.
“The reason is clear, the matter of the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whoever occupies that position must not be someone of tainted character.
“The government must ensure full disclosure. It is important, Nigerians need to know the background, academic records, age, state of origin, and the schools the leader attended.”
Atiku argued the importance of the ruling, saying it involves the world’s largest Black democracy.
“The fact that this issue concerns the government and the occupant of the office makes it even more significant. This is not just about Nigeria.
“This is the foremost Black nation in the world—the most populous. And so, we mean something to people around the world, especially the global Black community.
“It’s actually about time. And it’s a welcome development so we can clear the air about the issues that have been raised. Well, it’s not even just about future elections,” he stated.
Atiku said if found wanting, the President must vacate office to quit “dragging the country into shame.”
“If it’s established that the President, based on the revealed records, is not qualified, then the honourable thing for him to do would be to step aside.
“That would be the natural course of action. He shouldn’t continue to drag the country into shame.
“We are a nation governed by laws. Our young people are watching closely. They are observing how we respond in moments like this.”
Also, the People’s Democratic Party stated that the ruling by the United States District Court in Columbia would give Nigerians the chance to truly understand who their President is.
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, stated in an exclusive interview that the development also provides President Tinubu with an opportunity to clear his name – if he genuinely has nothing to hide.
On April 8, the court directed the FBI and DEA to release documents linked to the criminal investigation of President Bola Tinubu concerning alleged drug trafficking.
The ruling, which was made available on the court’s website saw Judge Beryl Howell instruct both agencies to identify and process all non-exempt records in response to Freedom of Information Act requests filed by American researcher Aaron Greenspan.
Greenspan, who founded the legal transparency platform PlainSite, had submitted 12 FOIA requests between 2022 and 2023, seeking information about a drug ring that operated
In response, Osadolor urged President Tinubu to respect the court order and allow the legal process to proceed without filing an appeal.
He stated, “Well, in this society, why would the leader of over 230 million people feel the need to hide his past? I believe what the U.S. court has done is not only commendable but also stands in stark contrast to the actions of some of our Nigerian judicial counterparts. I would expect the Nigerian judiciary to take a leaf of courage from the U.S. court’s decision, understanding that no one is above the law, and that everyone should be held accountable for their past, present, and future actions.
“President Tinubu should see this as a wake-up call and allow the U.S. court to proceed with its actions. Let the rule of law and the judiciary thrive in Nigeria. He should stop trying to appeal or discredit the pronouncements made by the U.S. court.
“Considering the numerous appeals he filed during the last campaign season, I believe it’s time he clears his name once and for all—if he truly has nothing to hide. And if he does have something to hide, this is the best time to come clean before the Nigerian people. This is an opportunity for Nigerians to know who he truly is.
“He should be transparent and let Nigerians move forward with the truth and facts as they stand. If, after being exposed, Nigerians still choose to support him, then let that be their democratic choice. But he should not keep Nigerians in the dark about his true identity or past records.”
By Ugoo Aniagoh
From the restoration of electricity at the local government secretariat after 13 years to renewed road, water, sanitation and security initiatives, the Okakpu-led administration is setting its governance agenda in motion.
The administration of Hon. (Dr.) Ikechukwu Okakpu, popularly known as OKD Jnr, and his Deputy, Hon. Ifunanya Nwanadile, has recorded a number of developmental milestones as the duo mark their first 30 days in office as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Since assuming office on October 3, 2026, the administration has initiated interventions across critical sectors, including infrastructure, environmental sanitation, water supply, grassroots governance and community security.
One of the notable achievements recorded within the period is the restoration of electricity at the Njikoka Local Government Secretariat after 13 years without public power supply. The development marks a significant improvement in the working environment at the council headquarters and is expected to enhance administrative efficiency.
In the area of water infrastructure, rehabilitation of pipe-borne water facilities across the local government has commenced, reflecting the administration’s commitment to improving access to basic amenities.
The administration has also strengthened its governance structure through the appointment and inauguration of elected councillors, Supervisory Councillors and Special Advisers to support grassroots representation, policy implementation and effective service delivery.
Environmental sanitation has received considerable attention, with over 100 ad-hoc workers engaged to support waste management, routine cleaning and general environmental sanitation across the local government.
On infrastructure development, the administration has commenced a Public-Community-Private Partnership (PCPP) road project along the Awovu–Osili axis in Enugwu Ukwu. An assessment of Ezi Norbert Road has also been conducted as part of efforts to identify infrastructure needs and explore possible interventions.
Security has equally featured prominently in the administration’s first-month activities. Adopting a zero-tolerance stance towards insecurity, the council has mounted CCTV cameras at strategic locations to strengthen surveillance and improve security monitoring.
In a grassroots-driven security initiative, local traders and street operators have also been engaged as Community Safety Marshals. Equipped with walkie-talkies, the marshals are expected to serve as additional sources of community security intelligence, promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities to the appropriate authorities.
These initiatives represent some of the administration’s early efforts to address longstanding challenges while laying the groundwork for sustained development across Njikoka’s six communities.
Speaking through its first-month performance record, the administration maintains that its focus remains on practical governance, improved public services, environmental responsibility, infrastructure development and a safer community.
Although the administration is still in its early days, its first 30 days have provided an indication of its immediate priorities and development direction.
For residents of Njikoka, the expectation will now be to see these initial interventions translated into sustainable projects, measurable improvements and lasting impact across the local government.
Thirty days down, more work ahead. Njikoka First.
The Federal Government has released guidelines explaining how Nigerians selected for its N50,000 relief grant can confirm their eligibility, accept the offer, access the funds and withdraw the money.
The government also warned beneficiaries against fraudsters seeking to exploit the intervention by demanding money or sensitive personal information.
The National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) is designed to support vulnerable households struggling with rising living costs.
The programme, managed by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, provides a one-off grant of N50,000 to selected beneficiaries through mobile wallets operated by five approved payment providers.
According to the frequently asked questions published on the programme’s website and sighted by PUNCH Online on Thursday, the grant is not a loan, requires no repayment and can be accessed without a smartphone or internet connection.
Here are the key things Nigerians need to know about the programme.
1. Who qualifies for the N50,000 grant?
The government said beneficiaries were selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records.
It explained that individuals cannot apply directly or pay anyone to secure a place on the beneficiary list.
Selection is based on need, with beneficiaries drawn from the six geopolitical zones, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
The government also clarified that payments would be made in phases, meaning not everyone would receive a notification at the same time.
2. How can you check if you are eligible?
Selected beneficiaries will receive SMS notifications from one of the five approved payment providers: ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
The messages will confirm their selection and provide a USSD code to dial to accept the grant.
Beneficiaries can also dial their assigned provider’s USSD code and select the eligibility-check option to confirm their status.
Those who are not selected will receive a notification informing them that they are currently not eligible for the relief support.
3. How do beneficiaries claim the N50,000?
Recipients are required to dial the USSD code contained in the notification from their payment provider and follow the instructions.
The process activates a mobile wallet, after which the N50,000 is credited and a confirmation SMS is sent.
The government stressed that receiving a selection message does not automatically mean the money has been paid. Beneficiaries must first accept the offer.
Those who mistakenly reject the offer can dial the code again and select the acceptance option.
4. Can people without smartphones receive the grant?
Yes. The government said beneficiaries do not need smartphones or internet access to receive the money.
A basic mobile phone is sufficient because the USSD codes work without an internet connection.
However, customers of OPay, Moniepoint and MoMo PSB can also use their providers’ official mobile applications to access their wallets and carry out transactions.
5. How can beneficiaries withdraw the money?
Beneficiaries can withdraw their funds through Point of Sale agents by transferring money from their mobile wallets and collecting cash.
Each approved payment provider also offers alternative withdrawal and transfer options.
The available USSD codes include:
- ALAT: Dial 94523Account NumberAmount# to transfer funds.
- MoMo PSB: Dial 6710# or use the MoMo NG application.
- NairaGram: Dial 72600#.
- OPay: Dial 95520# or use the OPay application.
- Moniepoint: Dial 557327# or use the Moniepoint application.
Beneficiaries can withdraw the entire N50,000 or take only part of it, leaving the balance in their wallets.
They can also transfer the money to personal bank accounts or other beneficiaries through the available channels.
6. Are there charges for receiving the grant?
The government said accepting the grant, receiving the money and responding to programme SMS notifications are free.
However, POS operators may charge their usual withdrawal fees when beneficiaries collect cash.
Recipients are therefore advised to confirm the applicable charges before completing transactions.
7. What if you have not received an SMS?
The government explained that payments were being made in phases, with payment providers contacting beneficiaries in batches.
Therefore, not receiving an SMS does not necessarily mean an individual has been permanently excluded.
Interested persons can check their eligibility through their assigned provider’s USSD code.
The government, however, warned that nobody could add an individual to the beneficiary list or accelerate payment in exchange for money.
8. How can beneficiaries avoid fraud?
The government warned Nigerians against individuals claiming they could help them secure or release the N50,000 grant for a fee.
It stressed that programme officials and payment providers would never request beneficiaries’ PINs, one-time passwords or Bank Verification Numbers.
Genuine messages will come only from the official sender names of the five approved payment providers and will not contain links.
Beneficiaries were also advised against clicking unfamiliar links, downloading unknown applications or forwarding WhatsApp messages claiming that sharing them would guarantee access to the grant.
The government further warned recipients not to refund money to anyone claiming that the payment was made in error. Such claims should first be verified through the provider’s official customer service channels.
9. What happens if you lose your phone or SIM card?
Beneficiaries who lose their phones or SIM cards should immediately contact their payment providers to secure their wallets.
They should also obtain replacement SIM cards bearing the same phone numbers from their network operators.
The government assured beneficiaries that their money would remain in their mobile wallets even if they lost their phones or SIM cards.
10. What should beneficiaries do if their USSD codes stop working?
The programme advised beneficiaries to check their network signals and retry if their USSD codes fail.
If the problem persists, they should contact their payment providers through their official customer service channels.
The following helplines were provided:
- ALAT by Wema: 0803 900 3700
- MoMo PSB: 671 or 0803 106 7100
- NairaGram: 0201 330 0880 or 0201 330 0881
- OPay: 0700 888 8328 or 0201 888 8328
- NERSI programme: 0700-022-2222
Enquiries concerning mobile wallets and payments should be directed to the respective providers, while questions about the intervention can be addressed to the programme’s helpline.
11. Which organisations are authorised to disburse the grant?
The Federal Government identified five approved payment providers for the N50,000 intervention.
They are ALAT, the digital banking platform of Wema Bank; MoMo PSB, a licensed Payment Service Bank; NairaGram, a digital money transfer service; OPay, a licensed mobile money operator; and Moniepoint, a licensed microfinance bank.
Beneficiaries were advised to deal only with their assigned providers and use official channels for enquiries and transactions.
The government reiterated that beneficiaries do not need to pay anyone, click external links or download unfamiliar applications to access the grant.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Pro-Biafran agitators based in the United Kingdom have challenged the three leading presidential contenders ahead of the 2027 general elections to address the lingering consequences of the Nigerian Civil War and the plight of families affected by the conflict.
The agitators, operating under the platform of the Biafran Diaspora Movement (BDM), specifically challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to make the Biafran question and the concerns of affected families part of their political conversations.
The group expressed displeasure over what it described as the continued reluctance of political leaders to openly discuss measures aimed at addressing the historical grievances surrounding the Biafran struggle.
Speaking with reporters in Awka on Thursday, the BDM Luton Zonal Officer, Adeze Vivian Nzelu-Iheanacho, argued that the campaigns of the presidential contenders should address the political foundations of the country and offer concrete commitments towards healing the wounds of the civil war.
According to her, the Nigerian Civil War of 1967–1970 left behind unimaginable suffering, broken families and painful memories, particularly among Igbo communities.
“The Nigerian Civil War of 1967–1970 left behind unimaginable suffering, broken families and painful memories. For many Igbo families, the consequences of that war are not simply a chapter in history books.
“Decades later, concerns about marginalisation, political representation, insecurity and belonging continue to shape conversations across the Southeast.
“We cannot keep asking why people feel angry or unheard without being willing to listen to what they are saying,” she stated.
Nzelu-Iheanacho noted that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had become a prominent voice in the campaign for Biafran self-determination, adding that its supporters view the movement as an avenue for expressing concerns about identity, political exclusion and the future of the Southeast.
She, however, maintained that the Biafran question transcended any individual or organisation, insisting that changes in political leadership and continued security operations would not automatically resolve the historical and political grievances associated with the struggle.
“The Biafran question is bigger than any individual or organisation. Even when political leaders change or security operations continue, the historical and political questions surrounding Biafra do not automatically disappear,” she said.
She urged the Federal Government to distinguish between legitimate political grievances and criminal activities, arguing that security measures alone could not provide a lasting solution to the concerns driving agitation in the region.
“A government can disagree with IPOB’s demands, challenge its ideas and act against criminal conduct where evidence supports doing so. But these actions do not remove the need to address the deeper issues that keep political grievances alive.
“A problem left unresolved today may become more difficult to address tomorrow,” she added.
The BDM official observed that while political leaders engage in debates, security operations continue and various movements advance their demands, ordinary citizens bear the consequences of the prevailing situation.
She identified mothers worried about the safety of their children, traders afraid of losing their livelihoods, young people uncertain about their future and families struggling to go about their daily activities as among those affected.
“There are mothers who worry about their children, traders who fear losing their livelihoods, young people who wonder what the future holds, and families who simply want to go to work, send their children to school and return home safely,” she said.
Nzelu-Iheanacho maintained that the group’s position was anchored on justice, protection of human life, respect for peaceful voices and the need for government to address genuine grievances.
“Our position is simple: justice must be fair, human life must be protected, peaceful voices must be heard, and genuine grievances must not be ignored.
“Let justice be done. Let innocent lives be protected. Let the people be heard. And let peace be built on truth, not silence.
“Because at the end of the day, beyond the politics and arguments, ordinary people simply want to live, raise their children and grow old in peace. Surely, that is not too much to ask,” she said.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark, declaring its actions and decisions on behalf of the party invalid.
The ruling also affects the nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Atiku had earlier appeared on the list of presidential candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He had also picked former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice Peter Lifu declared unlawful the caretaker committee led by Mark, which conducted the party’s presidential primary that produced Atiku as its candidate.
The judgment followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman (North-East), who challenged the process through which the Mark-led group assumed control of the party.
Gombe argued that following the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to assume leadership of the ADC.
He subsequently approached the court, seeking to invalidate the decisions and activities undertaken by the Mark-led leadership in the name of the party.
The defendants in the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, included the ADC, INEC, Senator David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Chief Ralph Nwosu.
The plaintiff also sought an order restraining Mark and Aregbesola from parading themselves as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, arguing that their emergence violated the ADC constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.
In his ruling, Justice Lifu upheld Gombe’s arguments and granted the reliefs sought.
The judgment is expected to trigger fresh developments within the ADC as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, scheduled for January 16, 2027.
Meanwhile, the ADC has indicated its intention to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
The party’s National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, who was subsequently joined in the proceedings as an interested party, confirmed that the party would appeal the judgment.
OPay has explained how Nigerians can determine whether they qualify for the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 monthly cash support programme targeted at vulnerable citizens.
The digital financial services company said eligible customers would receive a pop-up notification on the homepage of their OPay mobile application, providing instructions on how to proceed with the registration or verification process.
In a statement shared on its official X handle on Tuesday, the company advised customers to click on the notification and follow the steps provided to access the intervention.
OPay clarified that customers who do not see the pop-up notification on their app are not eligible for the programme.
The company also stressed that it has no responsibility for selecting beneficiaries or determining who qualifies for the Federal Government’s cash support scheme.
According to OPay, Nigerians seeking further information or clarification about their eligibility should contact the National Economic Recovery and Support Initiative (NERSI).
“The ₦50,000 monthly Federal Government cash support is available only to eligible citizens. Eligible customers will see a pop-up notification on their OPay app homepage. Kindly click on the pop-up to proceed with the next steps.
“Kindly note that customers who are unable to see the feature on the app are not eligible for it. Please note that we do not determine your eligibility. Kindly contact NERSI at 07000222222 for assistance,” the company stated.
The clarification comes amid growing interest among Nigerians in the Federal Government’s proposed financial support programme for vulnerable citizens.
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