Tinubu, Family Face No US Arrest Risk At UNGA — Jimoh Ibrahim

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has dismissed reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu or members of his family could face arrest or movement restrictions in the United States during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.

Ibrahim, who also chairs the UN Committee on Budget and Administration, issued the clarification through Nigeria’s Permanent Mission in New York, saying the diplomatic mission had received no communication from American authorities indicating any restriction on the Nigerian delegation.

The envoy referenced Section 11 of the 1947 UN-U.S. Agreement, which provides protections for representatives of member states travelling to and from the United Nations headquarters district.

According to him, federal, state and local authorities in America are required to avoid obstructing the movement of official representatives, their relatives, UN personnel and other individuals invited to the headquarters for legitimate business.

He described participation in the General Assembly as a matter of national importance, while acknowledging that countries may sometimes send vice presidents or foreign ministers when circumstances require alternative representation.

Ibrahim recalled that a former Nigerian president had previously faced restrictions within a 10-kilometre radius of the UN headquarters following a drug-related allegation. He stressed, however, that the circumstances surrounding that case should not be confused with the present situation.

The ambassador also rejected social media claims predicting an arrest during the New York gathering, arguing that an allegation does not automatically constitute a criminal offence.

“An allegation is not a crime,” Ibrahim said, emphasizing that accusations must pass through due process and be established beyond reasonable doubt before a conviction can occur.

He further explained that American law-enforcement agencies may invite individuals to provide information during investigations. Authorities can also obtain identifying records, including personal histories, educational details and fingerprints, where legally justified.

Such information, he noted, may assist investigators in determining relationships between individuals, organisations or wider networks. Ibrahim added that records obtained during investigations are protected and may not necessarily become publicly available.

Addressing online speculation, the envoy maintained that attempts to portray the Nigerian leader as vulnerable to arrest during the international summit were unfounded.

He warned against allowing social media narratives to shape public understanding of diplomatic or legal matters, insisting that the protections contained in the UN-U.S. agreement remain applicable to eligible representatives and their families.

Ibrahim called on Nigerians to remain confident in the nation’s institutions while backing initiatives designed to strengthen economic growth.

The 2026 UN General Assembly is expected to bring together world leaders, diplomats and senior government officials in New York for discussions on international peace, security, development and cooperation.