Alleged Drug Trafficking: Tinubu to block release of records in US court —Legal team
President Tinubu Challenges Release of Drug Trafficking Records in U.S. Court
By Olayinka Ajayi
President Bola Tinubu has initiated legal action in a U.S. court to prevent the release of documents associated with allegations of drug trafficking. The suit targets the Department of Justice, FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
In a 16-page filing, Tinubu’s legal team—including attorneys Christopher W. Carmichael, Victor P. Henderson, and Oluwole O. Afolabi—argues that the disclosure of these records could violate the President’s privacy rights, according to Channels Television.
One section of the documents states, “Submission in that proceeding did not reveal the details of a possible criminal investigation involving Intervenor,” implying that the plaintiff’s request lacks basis in existing public records.
The legal team contends that the plaintiff’s intent is to acquire information that is not publicly available. They reference Supreme Court precedent affirming that individuals retain privacy rights over entire files, regardless of any previously available information.
“While some information may appear in public records, an individual still retains a privacy interest in undisclosed details,” the filings indicate. They note that past judicial decisions affirm the distinction between being under investigation and the specifics within investigative files.
The legal filings challenge the methods used by the FBI and DEA in conducting searches and handling document disclosures. They assert that the plaintiff’s overarching aim appears to be accessing documents explicitly containing Tinubu’s name, which they urge should remain protected under privacy laws.
The records are sought by American transparency activist Aaron Greenspan, who has lodged a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against various U.S. government agencies. Greenspan’s requests specifically include the FBI’s complete file on Tinubu and records from FBI interviews conducted between 1992 and 1993.
This case also pertains to a civil forfeiture proceeding from 1993 involving approximately $460,000 tied to Tinubu, who has adamantly denied any wrongdoing.
