Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A United States-based policy advisory and lobbying firm retained by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that former U.S. President Joe Biden declined requests for an official White House meeting with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu due to longstanding drug trafficking allegations linked to the Nigerian leader.
Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., the Washington-based firm hired by Atiku in a $1.2 million deal, made the claim following what it described as engagements with members of the U.S. Congress and officials in the administration of incumbent U.S. President Donald J. Trump. The firm said its discussions focused on reports that President Tinubu is seeking a meeting with President Trump and the need to ensure that U.S. officials are fully aware of publicly available records relating to allegations that have followed the Nigerian president for decades.
In a statement, the group highlighted the impact of drug-related deaths in the United States, saying, "79,384 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2024 alone." It added: "This week, we brought to the attention of Members of Congress and the Trump Administration reports that Nigerian President Tinubu is seeking a meeting with President Donald Trump and the drug trafficking allegations against President Tinubu that reportedly were so troubling that the White House under President Joe Biden refused requests for President Tinubu to officially meet with then-President Biden at the White House."
The advisory firm said it raised the issue with U.S. lawmakers and officials because it believes any decision concerning a possible meeting between Presidents Trump and Tinubu should take into account information already available in public records. As part of its submission, the group referred to historical court proceedings in the United States involving funds allegedly linked to Tinubu. It stated: "According to U.S. court records, including United States v. Funds in Account No. 263226700, et al., No. 93 C 4483 (N.D. Ill.), the United States Justice Department alleged that funds linked to accounts associated with Tinubu were proceeds of heroin trafficking and were subject to civil forfeiture."
The statement also referenced an ongoing Freedom of Information Act lawsuit in the United States seeking the release of additional federal records relating to the allegations. According to the group, "In an ongoing case, Greenspan v. Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, et al., Civil Action No. 1:23-cv-01816 (D.D.C.), a FOIA lawsuit is seeking the release of additional Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and other federal records relating to President Tinubu's alleged drug." The policy firm did not provide documentary evidence to support its claim that the Biden White House refused requests for an official meeting between Tinubu and Biden because of the allegations.
The allegations have been a recurring theme in Nigerian political discourse, with opposition figures and civil society activists repeatedly calling on the U.S. government to release records related to Tinubu's alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The controversy dates back to the early 1990s, when U.S. authorities allegedly linked Tinubu to a heroin trafficking ring in Chicago. In 1993, Tinubu forfeited $460,000 to the U.S. government after authorities linked the funds to the "proceeds of narcotics trafficking," though he was never criminally charged or convicted.
The lobbying firm's engagement with Atiku, which was filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, aims to "counterbalance" the Federal Government's lobbying narratives in Washington, while advancing understanding of Atiku's leadership vision among U.S. policymakers. The development comes amid heightened political positioning ahead of the 2027 elections, with Atiku widely regarded as a leading opposition figure. The firm has also been critical of the Tinubu administration, warning that it could push for sanctions if concerns over insecurity and electoral integrity persist.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued an official response to the allegations, and the firm's claims remain unverified.
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