August 21 deadline: US court orders release of DOJ, FBI, DEA records on Tinubu drug allegations

A United States federal prosecutor appointed by President Donald Trump has initiated proceedings to comply with a court order directing the release of Department of Justice, FBI and DEA records relating to drug trafficking allegations against Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, with US District Judge Beryl Howell setting August 21 as the release deadline after refusing a 10-day extension request, granting only four days instead.

According to Sahara Reporters, the development was disclosed by Washington lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, retained by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, which noted that Judge Howell cited the case’s three-year pendency as justification for limiting further delays.

Tinubu has consistently denied wrongdoing. The records’ release is expected to intensify political controversy ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.