FBI and DEA seek 90-day delay in releasing documents linked to Tinubu’s alleged 1990s drug probe
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have requested an additional 90 days from a U.S. court to complete the search and release of documents connected to an alleged drug investigation involving Nigerian President Bola Tinubu dating back to the 1990s.
The request was filed on Thursday, May 1, in a joint status report submitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
This development stems from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit filed by Aaron Greenspan, a U.S. legal transparency advocate and founder of the platform PlainSite. Greenspan is demanding the release of documents tied to a Chicago-based drug ring, in which Tinubu, along with Lee Andrew Edwards, Mueez Abegboyega Akande, and Abiodun Agbele, were allegedly linked.
Judge Beryl Howell had previously ordered the FBI and DEA to submit a status update on document production by May 2, 2025. In the new filing, however, both agencies said they are still conducting searches and requested more time to locate and process the non-exempt records.
“The FBI and DEA have initiated their searches… and anticipate completing their searches in ninety days,” the report stated.
The agencies referenced multiple FOIA request numbers, including FBI Requests Nos. 1588244-000 and 1593615-000, and DEA Request Nos. 22-00892-F and 24-00201-F.
Greenspan, however, has strongly opposed the extension, arguing that the FBI and DEA have delayed the release for years and that some responsive documents have already been identified. He is pushing for a shorter timeline to avoid what he sees as further stalling.
The case has gained significant public attention, particularly due to President Tinubu’s political status and previous controversies surrounding his finances during his time in the U.S.
