US FBI Explains Why Tinubu’s Alleged Drug Investigation Records Remain Withheld
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has asked a federal court for permission to privately explain why it is keeping some records linked to an old investigation involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu away from public view.
In a motion filed on August 20 before the US District Court for the District of Columbia, the agency said releasing its full justification publicly could expose sensitive law-enforcement methods and potentially put individuals at risk.
The FBI wants to submit additional details directly to the judge through a sealed declaration, meaning the information would be examined privately and would not form part of the public court record.
The dispute followed two Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests seeking FBI records relating to Tinubu. One request sought the Bureau’s complete file on him, while the other requested FBI Form 302 interview reports connected to a 1992–1993 investigation.
The agency said it had relied on several FOIA exemptions covering personal privacy, confidential information, investigative techniques and the safety of individuals.
According to the FBI, its public filings could not fully explain its reliance on exemptions 7(E) and 7(F) without revealing the very information those provisions are designed to protect.
If the court grants the request, the FBI said it will submit the confidential explanation by August 28.
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