FBI Seeks Court Permission for Private Review of Withheld Records in Tinubu-Related FOIA Case

FBI Seeks Court Permission for Private Review of Withheld Records in Tinubu-Related FOIA Case

OSOGBO, Osun State — August 21, 2026 — The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has asked a federal court in Washington, D.C., for permission to submit certain explanations privately to the judge as it seeks to withhold portions of records requested in a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) case involving records connected to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to a report by SaharaReporters, the FBI filed a four-page motion on August 20, 2026, in the case of Aaron Greenspan v. Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, et al., a long-running FOIA lawsuit before U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell.

The FBI is seeking permission to submit sworn declarations ex parte and in camera, meaning the documents would be reviewed privately by the judge and would not be made available to the public or the opposing party.

Records at the Centre of the Case

The dispute involves two FOIA requests, according to the reported court filing. One request seeks the FBI's complete file relating to Tinubu, while another seeks records of FBI interviews, commonly known as “302 reports,” allegedly conducted between 1992 and 1993 in connection with a bureau case referenced in the litigation.

The FBI has reportedly relied on several FOIA exemptions in withholding parts of the requested records. The bureau argues that public disclosure of certain information could reveal law-enforcement methods or potentially endanger an individual's life or physical safety.

For some of the exemptions it is relying upon, the FBI says it cannot fully explain its position in public and has therefore asked the court for permission to provide additional justification under seal.

If the request is granted, the FBI plans to submit two sealed declarations by August 28, 2026. The plaintiff, Aaron Greenspan, has opposed the FBI's request, according to the reported filing.

Long-Running FOIA Litigation

The case has been before the court for more than three years and relates, in part, to historical U.S. records concerning investigations and civil forfeiture proceedings from the early 1990s.

Publicly reported court records from that period have previously been the subject of significant public and political discussion. President Tinubu has consistently denied wrongdoing, while his legal representatives have maintained that the proceedings were civil, in rem forfeiture actions brought against property rather than criminal proceedings against him.

Tinubu was not arrested, criminally charged or convicted of a drug offence in the United States in connection with the matters referenced in those historical records.

Political Context

The latest FBI filing comes as Nigeria approaches the 2027 presidential election, with Tinubu widely expected to seek re-election.

SaharaReporters also reported that the FBI's motion was circulated publicly by a Washington-based lobbying firm reportedly retained by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

However, the FBI's latest motion does not itself accuse President Tinubu of committing any criminal offence. The filing concerns the bureau's request for permission to provide a private explanation to the court regarding its decision to withhold certain information under the FOIA.

The underlying case remains pending before Judge Howell.

This report is based on publicly reported court proceedings and original reporting by SaharaReporters. AccordWatch has presented the claims and historical issues referenced in the litigation with attribution and includes President Tinubu's long-standing denial of wrongdoing. The matters discussed in the current FBI filing do not constitute a new criminal allegation or criminal conviction against the President.

Adeleke Wins Second Term in Osun, Pledges Support for Tinubu's 2027 Bid

August 21, 2026 |AccordWatch 

Adeleke Wins Second Term in Osun, Pledges Support for Tinubu's 2027 Bid

Governor Ademola Adeleke has won a second term as governor of Osun State, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, in the August 15 governorship election, according to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Adeleke, who ran on the Accord Party platform, polled 511,067 votes to Oyebamiji's 444,815. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam, placed third with 17,180 votes.

Background: EFCC Account Freeze

Days before the election, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) froze the bank accounts of the Osun State government, a move that drew criticism from the Adeleke camp, which described it as politically motivated. President Bola Tinubu subsequently intervened to have the accounts unfrozen ahead of the poll. The APC has not disputed that the accounts were frozen and then released, though officials have characterised the intervention differently from the governor's camp.

Adeleke's Post-Election Comments

Following his victory, Adeleke said he intends to support President Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027, telling reporters he would campaign for the president "whenever" and "however" he is needed. He also said he was open to working with APC figures in Osun, including Oyebamiji and former governor Gboyega Oyetola, describing the cooperation as being in the interest of the state and of federal infrastructure projects for the South-West.

Adeleke has framed his position as personal support for Tinubu rather than a party realignment, saying he remains committed to the Accord Party platform on which he was re-elected.

APC's Response

Osun APC officials have pushed back on characterisations of a Tinubu-Adeleke alliance. The party's campaign council has said Tinubu's support in the state was directed solely at its own candidate, Oyebamiji, and has dismissed reports of a presidential endorsement of Adeleke as false.

What's Next

Adeleke is due to be sworn in for his second term following the conclusion of the election process. His public alignment with Tinubu, despite contesting outside the ruling party, has drawn attention ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in Osun — Tinubu's home state, where the APC lost the governorship race despite a heavy campaign push.

Pelum Olajengbesi Petitions NHRC for Independent Inquiry Into Esa Oke Killings, Political Violence

Osogbo — August 13, 2026 | AccordWatch

Legal practitioner and spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for an urgent, independent inquiry into a string of killings, shootings, and property destruction in Esa Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, tied to political activity surrounding the August 15 governorship election.

In the petition addressed to the NHRC's Executive Secretary, Olajengbesi described Esa Oke as a historically peaceful and closely knit community now caught in a cycle of violence and fear driven by political differences. He said that while a significant share of the reported attacks this election season have targeted members and supporters of the Accord Party, his concern extends to any resident harmed regardless of political affiliation, stressing that the killing of any Esa Oke resident — Accord, APC, or otherwise — demands independent investigation.

Two Killings at the Centre of the Petition

The petition details two killings it wants the proposed inquiry to examine.

The first involves Ajayi Aderogba, known locally as "Rogba," an Accord supporter who was shot dead in Esa Oke on or about June 23 in the presence of his wife and children. Olajengbesi cited the widely reported account of his widow, Mrs. Tolulope Aderogba, who has said her husband was approached and encouraged to meet with Hon. Wole Oke but declined, insisting he would not abandon the Accord Party, after which a vehicle carrying certain individuals arrived and her husband was shot and attacked with machetes, dying before reaching hospital. The petition noted that Wole Oke and APC representatives have publicly denied involvement and have themselves called for an impartial investigation — a competing set of accounts Olajengbesi said makes independent inquiry essential.

The second killing involves Dele Ayegbo, identified as a nephew of Hon. Wole Oke and an APC member or supporter, who was reportedly shot dead near his residence in the Idofin area of Esa Oke on the night of August 12. According to the petition, media reports citing the Osun APC describe gunmen in a vehicle attacking two people, killing Ayegbo and injuring another victim who was taken for treatment; the APC has alleged Accord supporters were responsible. Olajengbesi said this allegation, like the others, must be independently investigated rather than accepted on the basis of partisan claims, stating unreservedly that Ayegbo's killing was equally condemnable regardless of political affiliation.

Concern Over Alleged Incendiary Remarks

The petition also raises concern over remarks reportedly made by Hon. Wole Oke, Director-General of the Osun APC Campaign Council, at the start of campaign activities, in which he was said to have suggested that people outside his political party should accept whatever happened to them. Olajengbesi urged the Commission to obtain and examine the full recording of the statement, establish its exact context and audience, and assess whether it was capable of emboldening political violence — noting that a perception of political protection or impunity, whether or not factually grounded, can itself encourage violence.

Broader Pattern of Attacks

Beyond the two killings, the petition cites a broader pattern of reported assaults, home invasions, and property destruction affecting Esa Oke residents, particularly Accord members and supporters, describing the cumulative effect as an erosion of residents' rights to life, dignity, personal liberty, and peaceful political participation.

Requests to the Commission

Olajengbesi asked the NHRC to constitute a Special Independent Panel of Inquiry into political violence and killings in Esa Oke, with a mandate to:

- Receive evidence from victims, witnesses, families, political parties, community leaders, and security agencies, and conduct a fact-finding visit to Esa Oke.

- Invite the families of Aderogba and Ayegbo to testify, and examine the police investigation files relating to both killings and other reported incidents.

- Invite Hon. Wole Oke and other named political actors to assist the inquiry, including examination of the disputed audiovisual statement.

- Assess the Nigeria Police Force's response to complaints of political violence in the area, including whether reported suspects have been arrested, questioned, or prosecuted.

- Recommend prosecution of anyone found credibly responsible for violence, regardless of political affiliation or status.

- Recommend compensation and remedies for victims and families whose rights are found to have been violated.

- Recommend measures for the immediate protection of Esa Oke residents through the remainder of the election period.

- Publish the inquiry's findings.

Olajengbesi stressed that the petition was not made in support of any political party but as a call for the protection of human life and accountability irrespective of political affiliation, and said he was prepared to submit videos, photographs, and other materials to assist the Commission's investigation. He urged the NHRC to treat the matter as urgent.

Gov. Adeleke Alleges EFCC Plot to Freeze Osun Govt's Accounts Ahead of Guber Poll

Osogbo — August 5, 2026 | AccordWatch

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has raised the alarm over an alleged plan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze the accounts of the state government and top officials ahead of the August 15 governorship election, Tribune Online reports.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, and released Tuesday in Osogbo, the Governor said he had received what he described as credible reports that the anti-graft agency had concluded plans to freeze all Osun State government accounts, alongside those of top government functionaries.

The Governor warned that such a move, if carried out, would amount to "the height of lawlessness" and could paralyse government activities in the run-up to the election. He alleged that the plan was designed to disrupt the state government's functioning and create difficulties ahead of the August 15 poll.

Adeleke maintained that there was no legal basis for freezing the accounts of a state government, arguing that the EFCC lacks the statutory powers to take such action, and urged relevant authorities and members of the public to take note of the alleged development. As of the time of the report, the EFCC had not issued any public response to the allegations.

The allegation comes a day after the Governor appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene over alleged killings, intimidation, and unlawful detention of residents in the state. Speaking at a campaign rally in Osogbo on Monday, Adeleke had warned that Osun residents would resist any attempt to rig the election, urging the President to prevent a repeat of the electoral violence witnessed in the old Western Region.

"Osun is bleeding," the Governor said at the rally, alleging that some residents had been killed while others faced intimidation or unlawful detention. "Mr President, something is happening in Osun State that you need to know. Our people are being killed on a daily basis. Elements within the police are aiding APC thugs to kill our people," he alleged.

Source: Tribune Online

Governor Adeleke Alerts President Tinubu of Ongoing Repression in Osun, Vows Resistance to Any Rigging Plot

Osogbo — August 3, 2026 | AccordWatch

Governor Adeleke Alerts President Tinubu of Ongoing Repression in Osun, Vows Resistance to Any Rigging Plot

Governor Ademola Adeleke has directly alerted President Bola Tinubu to what he described as systematic repression, killings, and unlawful detentions targeting Osun residents, warning that the people of the state would resist any attempt to rig or manipulate the outcome of the August 15 governorship election.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Osogbo on Monday, the Governor said that over the past three months, the Accord Party had lost seven members to violence, with more than 20 others sustaining gunshot wounds and over 60 currently held in what he called illegal police detention.

"I want to inform Mr President that my people are being killed on a daily basis. Elements within the police are aiding the APC thugs to kill our people. Mr President, Osun is bleeding and your urgent intervention is necessary," the Governor said.

He urged the President to intervene to protect Nigeria's democracy, insisting that Accord was asking for nothing more than a free and fair election. He further alleged that individuals within the Osun APC were invoking the President's name in connection with violence against residents, and appealed to Tinubu to call the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, and Senator Francis Fadahunsi to order, describing the ongoing violence as a grave threat to democracy.

The Governor claimed the Osun election was drawing national and international scrutiny, alleging that foreign embassies and human rights organisations were documenting reports of abuses in the state. He appealed to the President to act "as the father of the nation," noting that Osun had already endorsed Tinubu's re-election bid and calling for reciprocal support at this critical moment. He maintained that Osun residents would not bow to threats and intimidation, insisting they would defend their votes and resist any attempt to deny them the freedom to choose their leader.

Party Leaders Rally Behind Governor

At a separately held but similarly attended rally in Osogbo, where Governor Adeleke was also present, leaders of the Accord Party warned that arrests and violence would not derail the Governor's re-election bid.

Director-General of the Imole Campaign, Senator Lere Oyewumi, alleged that the APC, working with police, had begun arresting Accord leaders, but insisted that violence "from Ilesa to Ila" would not defeat the Governor. "Osun people are resolved to vote and defend their votes. The voters' support for Governor Adeleke is because of his good performance. Killing innocent people only strengthens the resolve of the people to re-elect the governor," Oyewumi said.

Deputy Director-General of the campaign, Hon. Kolapo Alimi, said several Accord leaders had been arrested overnight, adding that reports suggested further arrests were expected. "We heard the arrest will continue tonight. Arresting us won't change the popular acceptance of Accord. We won't be intimidated," Alimi said.

Accord's Osun Central senatorial candidate, Hon. Ganiyu Olaoluwa, warned that those behind the arrests and violence would face public anger. "We know we are being targeted. We know over 60 Accord members are illegally detained. We know our houses are being raided. But we are determined to re-elect our governor with massive support of the people," Olaoluwa said.

The Governor later met separately with the state's Butchers Association and Hausa community leaders, both of whom pledged their support for his re-election bid.

Signed:

Mallam Olawale Rasheed

Spokesperson to the State Governor

Accord Endorses Adeleke for Second Term, Cautions INEC Ahead of Osun Governorship Poll

Osogbo — August 3, 2026 | AccordWatch

Accord Endorses Adeleke for Second Term, Cautions INEC Ahead of Osun Governorship Poll

The national leadership of the Accord Party has formally endorsed Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term, urging voters to return him in the August 15 governorship election while putting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on notice over the need for a credible poll.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday and signed by National Chairman Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, the party said Governor Adeleke's record in office had earned him the mandate for continuity, citing what it described as achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and workers' welfare as the basis for a projected landslide victory on August 15.

The party praised the Governor for what it called resilience and administrative capacity in the face of efforts by opponents to frustrate his administration — including, it alleged, the withholding of local government allocations — arguing that his leadership had nonetheless sustained political stability and accelerated development across the state.

Accord appealed to Osun residents to turn out in large numbers on election day, describing the poll as a chance to consolidate the gains of the Governor's tenure and ensure the continued delivery of democratic dividends to the state. The party also cautioned voters against selling their votes, describing vote buying and inducements as a betrayal of Osun's future and urging citizens to reject what it called "electoral porridge" in all its forms.

Turning to the conduct of the election, Accord called on INEC and security agencies to remain strictly neutral, impartial, and professional throughout the process, stressing that the credibility of the outcome depends on the sanctity of the ballot box and respect for the will of voters. It insisted that every valid vote must be accurately reflected in the final results and warned against any conduct that could erode public confidence in the process.

The party described the Osun poll as a critical test of INEC's readiness for the 2027 general elections, arguing that the Commission has had ample time to prepare and must deliver a free, fair, transparent, and inclusive exercise without operational failures. It added that the outcome of the election would significantly shape public trust in Nigeria's electoral system, describing it as another opportunity for INEC to strengthen its credibility by conducting a poll that genuinely reflects the will of the people.

Osun Guber: Adeleke Campaign Council Petitions NHRC Over Security, Rights Concerns

Osogbo — August 3, 2026 | AccordWatch

Osun Guber: Adeleke Campaign Council Petitions NHRC Over Security, Rights Concerns

The Governor Ademola Adeleke Campaign Council, also known as the Imole Campaign Council, on Monday petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), calling for an independent review of security concerns and the protection of fundamental rights ahead of the August 15 governorship election, Tribune Online reports.

Speaking after submitting the petition in Abuja, the council's spokesperson, Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, urged the Inspector-General of Police to reassure Osun residents that the election would be conducted in a peaceful, free, and credible atmosphere.

Olajengbesi said the petition was prompted by what the council described as incidents of arrests and detentions involving some of its members, alongside broader concerns over the state's security situation. He said the council was seeking the NHRC's intervention to ensure all security agencies operate within the law and protect citizens' rights throughout the electoral process.

Acording to Olajengbesi, the council specifically requested greater transparency from the police regarding the arrest and detention of some of its supporters, including party member Hon. Alaba Popoola. He said the council had sought clarification on the circumstances surrounding the arrest and called on the police to either file appropriate charges or release those in custody in accordance with the law.

Olajengbesi also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to reassure Osun residents of the Nigeria Police Force's neutrality and its readiness to provide adequate security before, during, and after the election. He further raised concern over reports of violence in parts of the state, urging security agencies to thoroughly investigate all incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

He said the council had raised these issues with the NHRC in the expectation that the commission would examine the complaints and act within its mandate, and called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that federal institutions continue discharging their constitutional duties impartially during the election period.

Olajengbesi expressed confidence that the upcoming governorship election would reflect the will of the people of Osun State, while urging voters to remain peaceful and participate actively in the democratic process.