US Firm Gives Fresh Update, Reveals FBI Action on Tinubu Records
A United States-based policy advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has issued a fresh update on records linked to past allegations involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the firm, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are reviewing files connected to the matter.
The firm made the claim in a post on X while providing an update on the separate legal battle seeking the release of records under the US Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
According to the firm, the FBI and DEA are examining files relating to allegations of heroin trafficking involving Tinubu, as well as records it said concern alleged money laundering and possible violations of US tax laws.
“Update: We can now confirm that, separate from the ongoing FOIA court review, the @FBI and @DEAHQ are reviewing files connected to the heroin-trafficking allegations involving Nigerian President Bola Tinubu,” the firm said.
It added that there were differing opinions within the review over whether the Nigerian President should have been criminally charged in 1993.
“There are differing views within the review as to whether President #Tinubu should have faced criminal charges in 1993, and the underlying case is now receiving renewed scrutiny,” the firm claimed.
The firm said the major issue was whether the review would remain focused on the historical records or eventually result in a fresh criminal investigation.
“The critical question is whether that review will remain historical in nature or develop into a new criminal inquiry,” it said.
The latest claim comes amid an ongoing legal dispute in the United States over records relating to an old investigation reportedly connected to Tinubu.
Von Batten-Montague-York had previously reported developments in a FOIA case seeking access to documents held by US authorities. The firm said Judge Beryl Howell of the US District Court for the District of Columbia had permitted the FBI to submit certain documents privately to the court for an in-camera review.
The firm had also said the FBI, DEA, US Department of Justice and Tinubu were given until August 28, 2026, to state their objections to the release of the records.
It interpreted the court’s instruction that filings be made “and no later” as an indication that the parties had reached the final deadline for filing their positions on the matter.
According to the firm, the FBI would therefore be required to convince the court that the records should remain confidential, including by providing sensitive material for the judge’s private examination.
In its latest update, the firm said the new review by the FBI and DEA was separate from the FOIA proceedings already before the court.
It further claimed that the outcome could potentially lead to a new criminal investigation if US authorities determine that additional action is justified.
“If the U.S. government ultimately determines that further criminal investigation or charges are warranted, such a move would be consistent with the @realDonaldTrump Administration’s broader focus on drug-trafficking cases involving Cuba and Venezuela,” the firm said.
It also linked such a development to what it described as the Trump administration’s emphasis on enforcing US drug and immigration laws, including alleged violations with historical origins.
The claims have not, however, been independently established in the information provided, and the firm itself previously acknowledged that some of its statements concerning the court proceedings had not yet appeared on the official court docket at the time of publication.
The development is part of a campaign by the firm around allegations concerning Tinubu’s past activities in the United States.
The firm had earlier warned that Tinubu could face embarrassment if he attends the United Nations General Assembly in New York next month. It also claimed that attempts by the Nigerian President to secure a private meeting with US President Donald Trump during the gathering would not succeed.
Von Batten-Montague-York alleged that senior Trump administration officials had indicated that Trump would not hold a private meeting with Tinubu because of the allegations linking the Nigerian leader to heroin trafficking.
The firm said Tinubu would nevertheless be able to travel to New York and participate in the UN General Assembly because of the protections applicable to representatives of UN member states.
“We look forward to President Tinubu attending the UNGA next month. Unfortunately for President Tinubu, he is going to be embarrassed at the UN,” it said.
It further claimed that leaders attending the UNGA would be aware of the allegations, saying, “From reports we have seen, from South Africa to Italy, world leaders attending the UNGA will be fully aware of the heroin-trafficking allegations against President Tinubu.”
The firm also said it could launch an advocacy campaign around the United Nations headquarters if it received the necessary authorisation.
“If we are authorised, we will put into operation our plan to ensure every New Yorker within a six-mile radius of UN Headquarters learns about President Tinubu’s alleged role in smuggling poison (heroin) onto American soil,” it said.
Von Batten-Montague-York is working for former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.
The firm was reportedly engaged by Atiku in March under a 12-month agreement said to be worth $1.2 million, with its work covering advocacy, diplomatic outreach and efforts to promote Atiku’s positions on issues concerning Nigeria-US relations.
