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Court denies Trump-appointed attorney’s request for 10-day extension, citing three-year delay in case

WASHINGTON — A federal judge has ordered the release of long-sealed US government records regarding Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s alleged involvement in a 1990s Chicago heroin-trafficking ring, rejecting arguments that diplomatic ties with Nigeria should shield the African leader from scrutiny.

US District Judge Beryl Howell granted Trump-appointed US Attorney Jeanine Pirro just four additional days, rather than the requested 10 to produce documents from the Department of Justice, FBI, and Drug Enforcement Administration, setting a firm deadline of August 21 .

Judge Howell noted the case had already languished for more than three years, signaling the court’s impatience with further obstruction .

$460,000 Forfeiture Linked to Heroin Ring

The records pertain to a 1993 civil forfeiture of $460,000 from bank accounts controlled by Tinubu, which US authorities tied to a Chicago-based narcotics network . Court documents and IRS affidavits detailed how funds in accounts bearing Tinubu’s name were systematically deposited with proceeds from white heroin trafficking into Illinois between 1988 and 1991 .

IRS Special Agent Kevin Moss established that the substantial sums in these accounts did not align with Tinubu’s reported legitimate income as a Mobil Oil Nigeria treasurer at the time. Company representatives stated that under no circumstances would an employee be permitted to hold corporate funds in private accounts .

In January 1992, US authorities froze accounts holding more than $1.4 million linked to Tinubu . An out-of-court settlement on September 15, 1993, before Judge John A. Nordberg, resulted in forfeiture of $460,000 from account 263226700 at First Heritage Bank . The court explicitly decreed these funds “represented proceeds of narcotics trafficking or were involved in financial transactions violating money laundering laws” under federal statutes 21 USC. § 881(a)(6) and 18 USC. § 981 . The remaining funds, over $1 million, were returned to the family.

Political Overtones as 2027 Election Looms

The lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, retained by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, welcomed the court’s action and urged immediate disclosure .

“Shared interests with Nigeria do not mean supporting an alleged drug trafficker,” the firm stated, echoing President Trump’s previous comments about US-Nigeria relations .

The firm also announced plans to engage anti-drug organisations, religious leaders, and families affected by heroin abuse in the United States .

Tinubu has consistently denied wrongdoing and rejected allegations linking him to drug trafficking. Nigerian courts have previously dismissed related challenges for lack of proof.

With the 2027 general elections approaching and Tinubu seeking re-election, the development is expected to intensify political controversy in Nigeria, where opposition figures have repeatedly raised questions about his past and alleged ties to US drug investigations .