Reno Omokri, Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, has defended President Bola Tinubu over controversies surrounding records held by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Speaking during a City Boy Movement Media One-on-One session with O’tega Ogra, Omokri argued that the existence of FBI records linked to an individual does not automatically mean the person has a criminal record.
According to him, FBI records may contain personal information and details gathered through background checks, including biometric information, and should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of criminal activity.
Omokri also referred to a 2003 FBI National Crime Information Center record check, transmitted through the then United States Embassy in Lagos, which reportedly showed no criminal arrest records, wants or warrants against Tinubu.
The former presidential aide further addressed his past comments in which he had accused Tinubu of involvement in drug-related activities, saying he later reviewed the available information, concluded that some of his previous claims were inaccurate and apologised.
Omokri’s latest position has, however, continued to generate debate, particularly among critics who have questioned his change in stance following his appointment as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico.
The controversy comes amid ongoing legal proceedings in the United States concerning requests for the release of records held by American law enforcement agencies relating to Tinubu. The FBI has previously cited Freedom of Information Act exemptions in seeking to withhold some of the documents.
The debate over the records and their interpretation continues to attract political and public attention in Nigeria.