The much-awaited release of U.S. government documents connected to an alleged drug investigation from the 1990s involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has faced a fresh delay. Federal agencies have asked for more time — an additional 90 days.
Even though a court had set May 2 as the deadline, the FBI and DEA have now officially requested an extension to continue searching for relevant records, shifting the new date to July 31, 2025. Other key agencies like the IRS, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and the State Department are yet to release any significant information.
This sudden development has sparked renewed anger among activists and legal experts, who believe the U.S. authorities are stalling to shield influential figures.
“Why should the truth need more time?”, asked David Hundeyin, one of the Nigerians involved in the FOIA lawsuit, alongside American whistleblower Aaron Greenspan.
Previously, Judge Beryl Howell had ruled that holding back the documents was “neither logical nor believable.” Yet now, the same agencies are asking for more time to decide what the public is allowed to know.
Greenspan, who filed the original request, has opposed the 90-day delay and is calling for the immediate release of unedited documents that have already been found.
For now, a middle ground has been reached: the agencies must submit a full release timetable by July 31, explaining when and how the rest of the files will be made public.
Why Does This Matter?
The documents could reveal details about President Tinubu’s alleged involvement in a U.S.-based drug trafficking and money laundering network in the 1990s. Although he has never been formally charged, many Nigerians are demanding transparency and accountability.
The Presidency has downplayed the matter, describing it as “old news.”
However, critics insist that the truth does not expire — especially when it concerns the individual leading the country.
