Alleged drug trafficking: Why Tinubu’s files have not been released – US agency

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has defended its decision to withhold certain investigative records related to an ongoing investigation involving Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, according to a court filing made on September 23, 2026. The US government argued that it withheld parts of the files to safeguard its sources and investigative methods.

This case, initiated under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) before a Washington DC court, was filed by American activist Aaron Greenspan, who sought old records from US agencies concerning investigations linked to Tinubu and others. Greenspan's request encompassed historical documents from various US agencies regarding Tinubu and other figures.

In response to Greenspan's request, the government provided a detailed explanation as to why some of those files could not be released under US freedom of information laws. The DEA explained that it used sworn statements and a comprehensive index to substantiate its position on the non-disclosure of certain files. The DEA detailed specific investigation reports that it retained, including those labeled DEA-6, DEA-292, and DEA-210.

The agency emphasized that information pertaining to its confidential sources is highly protected under US freedom of information law. DEA officials stated that "due to the significant protections afforded to prevent the disclosure of this type of information, the agency determined that the significance of exempting this type of information outweighed the relatively insignificant public interest in the disclosure of the information."