- Issues final deadlines
By Paul Joseph
A United States federal judge, Beryl A. Howell, has criticised the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration for repeatedly delaying the release of records linked to President Bola Tinubu.
The judge said the agencies have missed several court deadlines and accused them of using delay tactics to frustrate a 2022 Freedom of Information request filed by transparency advocate Aaron Greenspan.
The request seeks records related to a narcotics case from the early 1990s that led to Mr Tinubu surrendering $460,000 to the US government. The Nigerian president has denied any wrongdoing.
In a ruling dated February 3, 2026, Judge Howell expressed frustration that the case has dragged on for over three years without progress. She ordered both agencies to stop further delays and comply with new timelines.
Court records show that the FBI had earlier promised to release about 2,500 pages of documents in batches. However, the process stalled after Mr Tinubu opposed the release while his election victory was still before Nigeria’s Supreme Court. Although the court later upheld his victory, the delays continued.
Judge Howell noted that the FBI has not produced a single document despite repeatedly shifting its deadlines. She also faulted the DEA for withholding some pages without providing clear explanations.
The judge ordered the DEA to submit a detailed index explaining why certain pages were redacted or withheld. She also directed that sworn affidavits be filed explaining the status of documents sent to other agencies for review.
The FBI was instructed to submit sworn statements explaining why it failed to meet deadlines and to provide a clear timetable for releasing the remaining records.
The court directed that all non-exempt documents be released in batches, with final production expected by June 1, 2026.
Both agencies were ordered to submit joint progress reports every 14 days until all requested records are released. The CIA was earlier removed from the case after the court found no evidence it held records on Mr Tinubu.
Source: Peoples Gazette
Leave a Reply