Tinubu’s FBI Files Controversy Reignites: Nigerians Demand Transparency
LAGOS, Nigeria—A U.S. court’s April 12, 2025, order to release FBI and DEA files tied to a 1990s drug probe involving President Bola Tinubu has reignited a firestorm of controversy, with Nigerians clamoring for answers about their leader’s past. The documents, linked to a $460,000 forfeiture in 1993, fuel speculation about Tinubu’s Chicago ties, prompting opposition leaders like Atiku Abubakar to demand full disclosure. As #TinubuFiles trends at 250,000 posts on X, the presidency calls the issue “recycled noise,” but public distrust deepens amid economic woes, as of April 14, 2025.
Court Ruling Sparks Fresh Debate
Judge Beryl Howell’s ruling in Washington, D.C., rejected U.S. agencies’ “Glomar” refusals to confirm or deny records, ordering the FBI and DEA to release unredacted files by May 2, per transparency activist Aaron Greenspan’s FOIA request. Court documents cite a 1993 case alleging Tinubu’s bank accounts held drug trafficking proceeds, though no conviction followed. “Transparency outweighs secrecy for public figures,” Greenspan said, per SaharaReporters. The presidency’s Bayo Onanuga dismissed the ruling, claiming “nothing new” exists, yet X posts like “#TinubuFiles reveal truth?” reflect surging curiosity.
A Past Under Scrutiny: The 1990s Probe
The controversy stems from a 1993 Chicago investigation into a heroin ring, with IRS agent Kevin Moss alleging Tinubu’s accounts at First Heritage Bank held $1.4 million, partly from drug suspects. Tinubu forfeited $460,000 to settle, avoiding trial, per court records. A 2003 U.S. Consulate letter to Nigeria’s police found no criminal record for Tinubu, but critics argue the forfeiture implies guilt. “If he’s clean, why hide?” asked analyst Dr. Chidi Amuta, echoing X sentiments. Atiku’s team, citing the files, renewed calls for Tinubu’s 2023 election review, though tribunals dismissed similar claims.
Economic Context Fuels Public Anger
The timing stings. With the naira at N1,630/$1, 40% inflation, and Trump’s tariffs slashing $200 million in exports, Nigerians face rice at N100,000 per bag. “We’re hungry, and now this?” said Lagos driver Musa Bello, joining protests. #TinubuFiles posts (250,000 by April 13) blend economic frustration with distrust, accusing Tinubu of dodging accountability. The CBN’s forex struggles and a N659 billion stock market dip amplify calls for clarity. “Leadership demands openness,” said PDP’s Phrank Shaibu, urging U.S. action.
Tinubu’s Defense: A Political Ploy?
Tinubu’s team insists the files are “decades-old, settled matters,” with Onanuga alleging opposition plots to destabilize governance. A 2023 Chicago State University records fight, lost to Atiku, set a precedent for scrutiny, yet Tinubu’s lawyers argue privacy rights. “No indictment, no crime,” said aide Dada Olusegun, citing the 2003 letter. Supporters on X (#TinubuLegacy, 80,000 posts) tout reforms like Dangote Refinery’s output, but skeptics counter that past clarity is non-negotiable. “Truth doesn’t expire,” tweeted @NaijaVoice.
Nigeria Watches: What’s Next?
The May 2 deadline looms as Nigeria grapples with economic strain and insecurity—3,800 abductions in 2025, per ACLED. Will the files reveal damning details or exonerate Tinubu? Greenspan’s push, backed by journalist David Hundeyin, keeps pressure on, with X buzzing over potential leaks. “We deserve to know who leads us,” said student Aisha Lawal in Kano. As protests grow and #TinubuFiles dominates, Nigeria’s trust in its president hangs in the balance. Can Tinubu weather the storm, or will transparency reshape his legacy?
