US Court Case Against Tinubu Not Criminal — Presidency

…Presidency Clarifies Forfeiture Was Civil, Not Criminal

The Presidency has clarified that the legal proceedings involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the United States were civil, not criminal, insisting that the case does not amount to a criminal conviction.

CDA News Nigeria reports that the Presidency’s clarification comes amid renewed discussions surrounding a 1993 US court case in which President Tinubu forfeited $460,000 to the United States government . According to the Presidency, the forfeiture was a civil matter, not a criminal proceeding, and therefore does not constitute a criminal conviction or disqualification from public office.

CDA News Nigeria gathered that the issue has been a subject of political debate in Nigeria, with critics pointing to the forfeiture as evidence of wrongdoing. However, the Presidency maintains that the case was a civil forfeiture action and not a criminal prosecution, emphasizing that the President has never been convicted of any crime in the United States.

The clarification is in line with statements made during the 2023 presidential election campaigns, where supporters of the President argued that the forfeiture was a civil settlement and not an admission of guilt . The distinction between civil and criminal forfeiture has been central to the defense of the President’s eligibility for office.

The Presidency’s latest statement is expected to further fuel debates on the matter, especially among political opponents who have called for the release of the full court records. However, the administration remains firm that the issue is settled legally and constitutionally.

Editorial Policy: CDA News Nigeria is committed to accurate and balanced reporting on political matters.

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