A United States federal judge has strongly criticised the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for prolonged delays in releasing records connected to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning the agencies that further inaction will not be tolerated.

Judge Beryl A. Howell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia expressed frustration during proceedings over what she described as the agencies’ failure to comply promptly with a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed as far back as 2022.

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The request was submitted by transparency campaigner Aaron Greenspan and supported by investigative journalist David Hundeyin, who sought access to historical law enforcement records relating to Tinubu. The records are believed to concern past U.S. investigations and interactions involving the Nigerian leader.

During the hearing, Judge Howell faulted both agencies for what she characterised as unnecessary bureaucratic delays and a lack of urgency in responding to the request. She stressed that FOIA laws are designed to ensure timely public access to government information and warned that federal institutions cannot indefinitely stall disclosure without valid legal justification.

The judge subsequently issued an ultimatum, directing the FBI and DEA to accelerate their search, processing, and release of the requested documents. She made clear that continued delays could prompt the court to take further action to compel compliance.

Greenspan has argued that the records are of significant public interest, particularly given Tinubu’s current role as Nigeria’s president. Supporters of the request say transparency is essential to maintaining public trust and accountability, especially when the information involves a sitting foreign leader with longstanding ties to the United States.

Neither the FBI nor the DEA has publicly commented in detail on the court’s rebuke, though both agencies typically cite workload and document review processes when handling FOIA requests.

The case has drawn attention both in the United States and Nigeria, where questions about Tinubu’s past have remained a subject of political debate for years. Observers say the judge’s firm stance could hasten the release of documents that may shed more light on the matter.

With the court now applying pressure, the agencies are expected to comply within the timeline set by the judge or risk further judicial consequences.