Allow FBI to release alleged drug trafficking records if you’re not guilty, US firm tells Tinubu

A United States-based policy advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to publicly support the release of Federal Bureau of Investigation records concerning allegations of heroin trafficking reportedly linked to him.

The firm issued the challenge in a statement posted on its verified X account on Thursday, questioning the president’s recent anti-drug advocacy

According to Daily Post, a United States court is considering arguments over the disclosure of FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration records sought through a Freedom of Information Act case.

Von Batten-Montague-York described Tinubu’s anti-drug messaging as a “desperate stunt” unless he supports public disclosure of the disputed documents.

The firm said its principal, Dr Von Batten, met Republican and Democratic congressional staffers on Wednesday to discuss several matters, including the allegations concerning the Nigerian president.

“If President Tinubu is committed to fighting drug trafficking, we challenge him to publicly call for the FBI to release all records concerning alleged heroin trafficking reportedly connected to him.

“We also challenge him to withdraw his petition before the US court opposing their disclosure,” the firm said in the statement.

The firm maintained that supporting the release of the records would demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability.

The allegations remain disputed, and the existence of investigative records does not establish criminal wrongdoing.

The presidency has previously maintained that the records dispute is a civil matter.

The ongoing legal dispute concerns access to government documents, rather than a criminal trial against Tinubu. A court ruling on disclosure will determine what materials, if any, may become publicly available.