By Ali Elias
“Defendants provide no rationale whatsoever as to why their search for documents should take 90 days.” — Aaron Greenspan
The FOIA lawsuit, brought by Greenspan—founder of the PlainSite platform—seeks to obtain U.S. federal records allegedly linking Tinubu and others to a Chicago-based drug network. Alongside Tinubu, the request names Lee Andrew Edwards, Mueez Abegboyega Akande, and Abiodun Agbele.
In April, Judge Beryl Howell ruled that previous FBI and DEA refusals to confirm or deny the existence of the records—known as “Glomar responses”—were insufficient and ordered a full or partial disclosure of non-exempt records.
Agencies Cite Need for More Time
In the latest joint status update, the FBI and DEA disclosed that they have begun searching for “responsive, non-exempt, reasonably segregable” records, and anticipate completing this task within 90 days.
“The FBI and DEA have initiated their searches… and anticipate completing their searches in ninety days,” the report stated.
The agencies also proposed to file the next status report by July 31, 2025.
Greenspan Rejects Delay
However, Greenspan has formally opposed the extension, calling it an unreasonable delay and urging the court to compel the agencies to complete the process within two weeks.
“Given the years-long delay already caused by the defendants… the plaintiff proposes that the FBI and DEA complete their searches and productions by next week,” Greenspan said, emphasizing that many documents have already been identified.
He further criticized the agencies for failing to explain why an additional 90 days would be necessary and is seeking reimbursement of $440.22 in litigation expenses.
Political Ripples
While the case is being litigated in the U.S., the implications are potentially explosive in Nigeria. President Tinubu has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to drug charges, and no court has convicted him of any crime. However, the persistent demand for transparency over his past—especially concerning his time in the U.S.—remains a political flashpoint.
Analysts suggest that the eventual release of these documents, depending on their contents, could either dispel long-standing suspicions or reignite controversy, particularly ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
“This isn’t just about the documents,” a Lagos-based political analyst told this paper. “It’s about what they symbolize—trust, legitimacy, and the power of narrative in Nigerian politics.”
Next Steps
The court is now expected to rule on the proposed extension and determine the appropriate timeline for the next joint update. If the agencies are granted more time, the public may not see any disclosures until late July.
In the meantime, Tinubu’s political opponents and transparency advocates will be watching closely, as the intersection of legal processes abroad and domestic political credibility becomes increasingly pronounced.