News
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.”
The Service stated this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday.
According to the NIS, the only authorised platform for passport payments by Nigerians, both within the country and in the diaspora, is its official passport portal.
It added that foreigners seeking Nigerian visas should use only its official visa portal for embassy applications or the designated e-visa portal for electronic visa applications.
It said, “The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to reiterate that the only authorised platforms for passport payments for Nigerians (at home and in diaspora) is https://passport.immigration.gov.ng.
“For foreigners wishing to apply for visa, https://visa.immigration.gov.ng (for visa at the Embassy) and https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng (for e-visa) are the official links.
The NIS urged applicants who require clarification or assistance with passport or visa applications to contact its verified communication channels.
It listed its official X accounts as @nigimmigration and @InquireAtNaija, while its verified Facebook and Instagram handles are @nigimmigration.
The Service also provided WhatsApp numbers 09160878000 and 09117717772 for enquiries and support.
The statement reiterated the Service’s commitment to ensuring secure and transparent passport and visa application processes, urging the public to avoid fraudulent intermediaries.
The US Department of State said the move is aimed at centralising routine visa services in regional hubs to enhance national security, reduce government spending, and ensure greater consistency in visa screening, vetting and adjudication.
In a statement on the US Department of State website on Wednesday, the department said the reorganisation aligns with the President Donald Trump’s administration’s priority of placing America’s interests and security first.
“The Department of State is constantly evaluating its overseas operations in order to advance America’s priorities as efficiently and effectively as possible. This includes a visa process that maintains rigorous standards of security screening and vetting and aligns resources and operational capacity with America’s national interests.
“The Trump administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans, and the State Department will continue to provide Americans with appropriate consular services and assistance at diplomatic posts around the world,” the statement read.
Besides Abuja, the affected diplomatic posts are located in Asmara, Bamako, Banjul, Brazzaville, Bujumbura, Conakry, Cotonou, Durban, Freetown, Gaborone, Harare, Juba, Libreville, Lilongwe, Lusaka, Maputo, Maseru, Mbabane, N’Djamena, Niamey, Nouakchott, Ouagadougou and Windhoek.
It also emphasised that all diplomatic missions will continue to provide consular services and carry out their regular functions on behalf of the United States.
The department further assured travellers that the policy does not invalidate visas that have already been issued.
The United States periodically reviews its global diplomatic operations to reallocate resources and streamline consular services.
Under the new arrangement, applicants in countries affected by the policy are expected to access routine visa services through designated regional processing hubs, while embassies and consulates continue to provide other diplomatic and consular assistance.
The Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL) has condemned the alleged rape, severe domestic violence, mob torture and attempted murder of a 34-year-old mother of six in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.
WACOL, in a statement signed by its Senior Communication Officer, Ezugwu Bethel, said it received the reports with “profound shock, outrage and deep sorrow,” describing the incident as a gross violation of human dignity, fundamental human rights and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 2019 of Enugu State.
According to the organisation, the survivor had allegedly endured years of domestic violence at the hands of her husband, who reportedly physically assaulted her and her mother.
WACOL said the woman, in an attempt to escape the abuse, rented a separate apartment, but her husband allegedly tracked her down and attacked her on the night of July 17, forcing her to flee to her mother’s residence.
The organisation alleged that the husband followed her there and threatened to kill her if she remained, forcing her to seek refuge with a male palm kernel trader.
According to WACOL, because the trader was married, he took the woman to a friend’s house for temporary shelter. However, the organisation alleged that the friend and another resident connived to restrain the trader and raped the woman.
WACOL further alleged that the attackers subsequently locked the woman and the trader inside the house before informing her husband of their whereabouts.
The organisation claimed that the husband arrived with a mob, broke down the door and allegedly subjected the woman and the trader to severe physical abuse.
It alleged that the husband publicly raped the woman while members of the mob restrained the trader, who had reportedly attempted to help her.
WACOL further alleged that the husband took the woman’s money, used it to buy drinks for youths and other members of the community, and allegedly incited them to attack the woman and the trader.
The organisation said the mob stripped the two victims naked, spat on them and beat them severely. It further alleged that some female members of the mob used broken bottles to shave the woman’s hair, while the victims were also allegedly inflicted with multiple cutlass wounds.
According to WACOL, the severely injured woman was subsequently dragged into an “evil forest” and abandoned.
The organisation said the woman spent three days in the forest before, despite her injuries, crawling to the main road, where she was discovered by Good Samaritans who contacted her sister and facilitated her rescue.
WACOL said the survivor is currently receiving medical treatment at a police clinic while remaining in hiding for fear of further attacks.
The organisation also raised concerns over the whereabouts of the male palm kernel trader, who was allegedly tortured alongside the survivor, saying his current location remains unknown.
WACOL said the police had arrested the woman’s husband and some female accomplices, but alleged that several other suspects remained at large.
The organisation also expressed concern over alleged interference by community leaders, claiming that the traditional ruler and President General of the community had banished the survivor and her family after they reported the incident to the police.
WACOL described the alleged banishment as victim-blaming and an abuse of power, adding that the community leaders must be held accountable if found to have obstructed justice or aided criminal suspects.
The organisation commended the Enugu State Police Command for its intervention but called on the Commissioner of Police to ensure that all fleeing suspects are arrested and prosecuted.
WACOL also demanded an immediate search and rescue or recovery operation for the missing palm kernel trader.
It further called on the Enugu State Government and the Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters to investigate the alleged roles of the traditional ruler and President General, while demanding adequate security for the survivor, her sister and other family members.
WACOL said its legal and psychosocial teams had been activated to support the survivor in her recovery and pursuit of justice.
The organisation called on Nigerians, human rights groups and the media to join the campaign for justice for the mother of six.
Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has warned Nigerian youths against depending on sports betting as a pathway to wealth, saying lasting success can only be achieved through hard work, patience and integrity.
Speaking during a message to members of his congregation, the cleric described betting as a dangerous distraction capable of destroying the future of young people and preventing them from fulfilling their God-given potential.
Oyedepo urged youths to resist the growing temptation of seeking quick riches through gambling, stressing that genuine prosperity is built on diligence, discipline and purposeful living.
“Young people, 9jabet is not the way to financial fortune. Stop wasting your destiny,” he declared.
He emphasised that although the journey to success may sometimes appear slow, honest labour and consistency ultimately produce more enduring rewards than relying on luck or shortcuts.
“It may be slow, but it’s sure,” he added.
The bishop also reflected on his personal life, recalling how his mother’s unwavering faith influenced his decision to become a Christian at the age of 15.
He recounted how he later expressed his gratitude by buying her a car while she was living in the United States, describing the gift as one that brought her immense joy before her passing at the age of 92.
Using the experience to encourage young people, Oyedepo urged them to embrace faith, perseverance and gratitude instead of pursuing instant wealth through betting.
He concluded his message by urging Nigerian youths to rethink their priorities and make choices that would guarantee a brighter future.
“You better wake up,” he said.
Family members have launched a fundraising campaign to repatriate the remains of a Nigerian woman, Christiana Nwosu, who reportedly died of cardiac arrest while visiting the United Kingdom.
The information came on Monday from a GoFundMe appeal signed by Chijioke Metuka on behalf of the Nwosu family.
According to Metuka, Nwosu died on July 19, 2026, leaving her children and loved ones devastated by the sudden loss.
Metuka described the deceased as “a beacon of light, love and warmth” whose passing had created an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew her.
The family said its greatest wish was to honour her memory by returning her body to Nigeria for burial, where she would be laid to rest among her extended family and ancestral roots.
The appeal read, “During this time of immense grief, Izuchukwu and his family’s deepest wish is to honour her memory by laying her to rest in her homeland of Nigeria, surrounded by her extended family and roots.
“Repatriating a loved one from the UK to Nigeria comes with significant and unexpected financial burdens.”
However, the family noted that repatriating her remains from the UK would cost about £10,000, covering funeral director fees, specialist repatriation services and documentation, air freight charges, transportation, and funeral and burial expenses in Nigeria.
“We have set up this fund to support Izuchukwu and his family during this incredibly difficult time. Every single donation, no matter the size, will go directly towards covering these repatriation and funeral expenses to help ease the financial strain on the family,” the appeal read.
The organisers appealed to members of the public to support the family through donations or by sharing the fundraising campaign with others.
“If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page with others and keeping Izuchukwu and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity and support,” the statement added.
As of the time of filing this report, a sum of £7,941 had been raised out of the £10,000 target.
In February a Nigerian woman, Oluranti Akinyemi, died in the UK shortly after arriving in the country for her son’s graduation ceremony.
Her family had launched a fundraising campaign on JustGiving to raise £20,000 to repatriate her remains to Nigeria and cover related expenses.
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