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Tinubu approaches US court, seeks order blocking release of alleged drug investigation records

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By Our Reporter with agency report

President Bola Tinubu has approached a United States federal court seeking to stop the release of documents reportedly linked to past allegations of drug trafficking involving him.

The Nigerian President is challenging efforts by the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to release records requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

The documents are being sought by 0 p 0activist Aaron Greenspan, who instituted 0 FOIA lawsuit against several U.S. government agencies in an attempt to obtain records l/l/l/l//l/ll/ll/ll/ll to investigations involving Tinubu.

Among the materials requested by Greenspan are the FBI’s complete file on Tinubu and FBI Form 302 interview records covering the period between 1992 and 1993.

The case also concerns records reportedly associated with a 1993 civil forfeiture proceeding in the United States involving approximately $460,000 linked to Tinubu.

Tinubu has denied any wrongdoing.

In a 16-page court filing dated August 28, 2026, and made available by Tinubu’s legal team comprising Christopher W. Carmichael, Victor P. Henderson and Oluwole O. Afolabi, the President argued that releasing the documents would violate his privacy rights.

“Submitted in that proceeding, did not reveal the details of a possible criminal investigation (or its results) involving Intervenor. Other than by speculation or labels, Plaintiff does not point to an existing public record that contains details of a governmental criminal investigation or findings about Intervenor. (DE 85-3, No. 16.)

“The purpose of Plaintiff’s motion is to obtain such information because it is not public. Moreover, Plaintiff’s argument that the limited disclosures in connection with the forfeiture negates all privacy interests is not consistent with precedent. The Supreme Court explained that an individual retains a privacy interest in an entire file or document being produced, even where there are “scattered” disclosures of information from that same file. See Reporters Committee, 489 U.S. at 764-67 (“our cases have recognized the privacy interests inherent in the non-disclosure of certain information even where the information may have been public at one time.”).

“While some information may appear in portions of public records, an individual still retains a privacy interest in the details that remain undisclosed. Applying Reporter’s Committee, this Court explained that an individual retains a privacy interest even if they were previously publicly associated with criminal activity. Judicial Watch, Inc. v. United States Dept. of Justice, 898 F.Supp.2d 93, 104-05 (D.D.C. 2012).

“Other decisions have likewise described the fact someone was under investigation as “distinct” from the contents of the investigative files. See Electronic Privacy Info. Center v. United States Dept. of Justice, 18 F.4d 712, 719 (D.C. Cir. 2021) (“Although the names of – 6 – Case 1:23-cv-01816-BAH Document 98 Filed 08/28/26 Page 7 of 16 Trump campaign officials appear in public portions of the Report, they retain a privacy interest in ‘avoiding disclosure of the details of the investigation.’”)

“Regardless of the prior disclosure in the forfeiture proceeding, Intervenor retains a privacy interest in potential disclosure of the investigative files sought by Plaintiff”, the document read in part.

The President’s lawyers also challenged Greenspan’s arguments concerning the manner in which the FBI conducted its search and the DEA’s Vaughn Index, as well as issues relating to document redactions, exemptions and confidential sources.

According to the legal team, the various issues raised by Greenspan should not be considered separately from what it described as his primary objective of obtaining government documents containing Tinubu’s name.

“Plaintiff’s motion critiques the FBI’s search efforts, the DEA’s Vaughn Index, segregability, document specific withholdings, and the applicability of exemptions to deceased individuals and confidential sources. All of Plaintiff’s other critiques should be viewed in the context of Plaintiff’s overarching goal.

“Plaintiff’s filings, overwhelmingly, demonstrate that his singular focus is obtaining documents with Intervenor’s “name on them.” (See supra pgs. 1-3, 10, and 11.) Any other issues should – 14 – Case 1:23-cv-01816-BAH Document 98 Filed 08/28/26 Page 15 of 16 not allow Plaintiff to access documents that should otherwise be withheld or redacted under Exemption 7(C) or the Privacy Act.

“If this Court finds that Plaintiff cannot use FOIA to mine information in government files about a private individual, he should not be able to access documents with Intervenor’s “name on them.

“Conclusion For all the foregoing reasons, Intervenor requests that the Court deny Plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment and allow the redactions or withholdings made by the FBI and DEA to stand”, Tinubu’s legal team further argued.

The court is expected to determine whether the records sought by Greenspan can be released under FOIA or remain protected under the privacy-related exemptions relied upon by Tinubu’s legal team.

(CHANNELS)

Business and Economy

NCC commends Glo’s efforts on customer service     

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) the telecoms industry regulator, has commended Globacom on  its outstanding performance in consumer complaint management and resolution.

In a letter to the company, which was signed by Kabiru S. Haruna, Principal Manager, Consumer Protection & Advocacy

Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB), the Commission expressed happiness at Globacom’s treatment and resolution of customer issues during the month of August, 2026.

The letter read in part: “We are pleased to note that your organization achieved and surpassed the Commission’s complaint resolution thresholds of 90% and 97% for Level 2 (L2) complaints. This accomplishment reflects your commitment to regulatory compliance, consumer satisfaction, and the continuous improvement of service delivery.”

NCC noted that Globacom’s dedication to timely complaint resolution and adherence to established Service Level Agreements (SLAs) put in place by the Commission has contributed significantly to enhancing consumer confidence and promoting a positive customer experience within the telecommunications sector.

The Commission further encouraged Globacom to sustain this level of outstanding performance while continuing to implement measures aimed at further improving service quality and consumer satisfaction.

Globacom noted that constant training of its customer-interfacing staff and investment in the latest technology were  responsible for observed improvement. The company promised not to relent in this regard.

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TCN, NISO, KEDCO, others meet in Kano to map out outage, load diversion on Kumbotso-Dan Agundi 132KV transmission line

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By Chidera Orji

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Kano Region, has held a coordinating meeting with Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), project contractors, and Kano State Ministry of Works, aimed at discussing a proposed outage and load diversion for the elongation of Towers 27 and 28 on the Kumbotso–Dan Agundi 132kV Transmission Line.

The meeting, which was held on Monday, October 5, , at the Regional Conference Room, Kano, was chaired by General Manager (Transmission), Kano Region, Engr. M. K. Bello, according to press statement made available to DISCLOSURE News by the Management of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), yesterday.

In his opening remarks, Engr. Bello expressed confidence in the contractors’ competence but emphasized that they must thoroughly assess all proposed technical connections and switching arrangements before implementation to ensure operational safety and network reliability.

Also speaking at the meeting, the NISO Regional Operations Coordinator (ROC), Engr. Kunle Egbedinni, stressed the need for strict Grid Code compliance, particularly the requirement to submit planned outage applications at least 14 days in advance for approval.

The Head, Operations and Maintenance, KEDCO, Engr. Sabiu Haruna proposed diverting the load served by Dan Agundi 132kV Substation to alternative substations, including Dakata 132kV, Tamburawa 132kV, Rimin Zakara 330kV, Kumbotso 330kV, and Wudil 132kV substations, within a proposed two-day outage window.

Participants reviewed network capacity and alternative supply arrangements for the exercise. They observed that Hadejia 132kV Substation could not absorb the full 60MW load earmarked for diversion, and assessed supply options from the Tamburawa, Rimin Zakara and Dakata substations. They also emphasised the need to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

The meeting concluded with all stakeholders committing to strengthen inter-agency coordination, ensure regulatory compliance, and facilitate timely project execution.

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General News

APC appoints Wike, Gov Adeleke as campaign coordinators

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released a revised list of its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections.

It appointed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to key campaign positions.

Wike will coordinate President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Rivers State and the FCT, while Adeleke has been named the campaign coordinator for Osun State.

The appointments were contained in a notice obtained on Tuesday, which announced the inauguration of the campaign council for Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The revised list also names Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as Director of Finance, while Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Zacch Adedeji, chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), will coordinate fundraising.

Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been listed among the campaign council advisers alongside Obafemi George, who will also advise on media matters.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu has been appointed Deputy Director-General for South II, while Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule will serve as South-South Deputy Coordinator for State Assemblies mobilisation.

Minister of Works David Umahi has also been named Deputy Director-General for Infrastructure and Sensitisation.

In the media and communications team, the list includes Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, Abdulmumin Jibrin, Lere Olayinka, media aide to Wike, and Segun Sowunmi.

Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has been appointed Deputy Director for Sports Sector Mobilisation, while businessman Ayiri Emami will serve as Director of Special Duties.

Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has been named Director of Stakeholder Mobilisation, while former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola will coordinate stakeholder mobilisation in the South-West.

Senator Abdulaziz Yari retains his position as Director-General of the campaign council, with Senator Adams Oshiomhole serving as Deputy Director-General for Mobilisation and Femi Gbajabiamila as Deputy Director-General for Administration.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State also retains his position as secretary of the council. APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Bashiru and Hadiza Bala-Usman will serve as deputy secretary and assistant secretary, respectively.

Dele Alake remains the campaign council’s spokesman, while James Faleke will oversee election planning, coordination and monitoring as Deputy Director-General.

The revised list follows controversy over the composition of the campaign council initially unveiled in August.

President Tinubu had constituted the council ahead of the 2027 general elections, with himself as chairman and Vice President Kashim Shettima as vice chairman. APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda was also named a vice chairman.

Yari was appointed Director-General, while the initial list generated controversy over the inclusion and exclusion of some political figures and party leaders.

The Presidency had previously dismissed reports that the list was withdrawn for a comprehensive review, maintaining that it remained valid but could be adjusted where necessary.

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, made the clarification during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

Dare explained that the campaign structure was still being developed and that additional names would be included in the subcommittees yet to be constituted.

“As it is with every other list, there’s a room for subcommittees. Those subcommittees have not been formed, and so many other names will come into that subcommittee,” he had said.

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