The FBI Files: Why Is Tinubu Scared Of His Past? -By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

The burning issue in the Nigeria media space and on the internet currently is the public demand for the release of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s file by the American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Despite the attempt by Tinubu and his men to distract Nigerians with news of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and discovery of more fake agencies in the government, the renewed call for the release of the file seems louder by day. Feelers from the presidency and in all of Tinubu’s camp indicate that all are fidgety about the release of the much-awaited file because of the anticipated damaging effect. Earlier in 2022 prior to the 2023 presidential election, there was a clamor for the release of the said FBI file and a court judgment authorizing the release but Tinubu lobbied vigorously to block it, stating that it would do much damage to him if released.

Nigerians are people governed by someone whose identity is unknown. Nobody knows the schools the Nigerian president attended prior to obtaining the degree certificate (which is also alleged to be forged) from the Chicago State University. The public only knows that he forfeited the $460,000 to the United States government in 1993 due to his involvement in heroin trafficking but the details of his involvement is not known. So, everyone is curious to know Tinubu’s true identity which is believed to be contained in the much-sought-after FBI file.

It seems obvious that the release of this file will help resolve issues about the credentials, biography and the real identity of the man occupying Aso Rock that has never withstood scrutiny, something that is currently before Nigeria’s own Federal High Court in the suit over his eligibility to continue to hold power by Atiku Abubakar, the former vice-president and the current standard bearer of the ADC. The Nigerian citizens and electorates have a right to know the truth before they vote, not after.  Tinubu is sore afraid of the release of the file because of his inglorious past and alleged identity theft. And the content of the file might disqualify him from seeking re-election in the 2023 presidential election. But, the delay in the release of the file has fueled speculations about the contents of the file. Some believe that it contains details of his drug trade while some are peddling allegation of court conviction; something that would jeopardize his chances of seeking re-election.

But, there is another twist in the Tinubu FBI files saga as the FBI is foot-dragging about the release of the file despite a court order a year ago to that effect. In a motion filed by the FBI on the 20^th of August, 2026, the FBI asked the United States District Court for the District of Columbia for permission to explain, in secret, ex parte and in camera, why it continues to withhold the records concerning Bola Ahmed Tinubu; records dating to 1992 and 1993, records connected to a Chicago heroin trafficking investigation, claiming that their release could endanger lives and reveal law enforcement techniques.

Many have raised doubt about the sincerity of the FBI claims concerning the release of the files. Many concerned Nigerians believe that Tinubu as is characteristic of him may have again used public funds to pay to stop or use court processes to delay the release of the files till after the next presidential election in Nigeria. Again, some experts alludes that Tinubu may be an FBI or CIA agent working for foreign interest rather than that of Nigerians and so releasing the result will not be in the interest of the Americans whom he is allegedly working for.

Be that as it may, I believe that it is in the interest of not only Nigeria but America and the world at large to release the files. The American Freedom of Information Act does not contain an exemption for the embarrassment of foreign presidents. The release of the files rather will save American the embarrassment of shielding a possible convict in power. It will also buttress Americans as the defenders of democracy and justice. I believe that the Tinubu files are not more sacred than the Jeffrey Epstein files that contains name of the American president and some powerful citizens and yet it was released for public scrutiny.

FBI, there is no doubt that the contents of the file are not palatable but Nigerians need to know them in order to make their next electoral decision. If America is truly the vanguard of democratic governance that it professes, it has to help Nigeria now to steer its endangered democracy on course. America has done that before by intervening in countries violating human rights and harboring criminals in power. Recently, America invaded Venezuela and sacked its president because of drug-related case. But we are not asking for Venezuela-style intervention in Nigeria; just the release the files of our president in your possession and allow us to make our decision.

Evidently, Tinubu has given Nigerians more pains and worries than even the common criminals in our streets. No leader in the history of Nigeria has more scandals than Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose past, education and origin are shrouded in secrecy. The clamor for the release of Tinubu’s FBI file has put the nation Nigeria into disrepute. The world now sees Nigerians as a nation of criminals to be wary of. Many countries are warning their nationals not to come to Nigeria not just because of insecurity but other uncertainties associated with maladministration. When Mahmoud Yakubu, the former INEC chairman announced Tinubu the winner of the 2023 presidential election, the headline in most foreign news journals was that Nigeria has elected a known drug lord as its president. It was an embarrassment to the nation. Nigerians do not want further embarrassment.

Hajia Hadiza Mohammed
hajiahadizamohammed@gmail.com
An actress, social activist, politician
London, UK