“Defendants provide no rationale whatsoever as to why their search for documents should take 90 days.”
U.S. law enforcement agencies have requested a three-month extension to complete their search for records potentially linking Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to a 1990s drug investigation. The FBI and DEA, facing a May 2 court deadline from a Freedom of Information Act (FoIA) lawsuit, now aim to submit findings by July 31. Transparency activist Aaron Greenspan, who filed the suit, has rejected the 90-day request, demanding production within 14 days instead, stating: “Defendants provide no rationale whatsoever for this delay.”
The agencies’ extension bid follows Judge Beryl Howell’s April 8 rejection of their attempt to use a “Glomar response” to neither confirm nor deny the records’ existence. A joint status report confirms searches have begun but cites the need for “three more months to locate and review all responsive, non-exempt records.” Greenspan contends many documents are already identified and seeks reimbursement of $440.22 in legal costs.
The case revives decades-old allegations against Tinubu, who has consistently denied any involvement in narcotics-related activities. The standoff highlights tensions between government transparency and investigative protocols, with Greenspan pushing for accelerated disclosure while agencies cite procedural complexities.
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