Tinubu and his family enjoy unimpeded transit to US and cannot be arrested in the country – Jimoh Ibrahim claims

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has said President Bola Tinubu and members of his family enjoy unhindered transit and cannot be arrested in the United States.

Ibrahim, who also chairs the United Nations Committee on Budget and Administration, made the statement through the Office of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York while attending the United Nations General Assembly.

He said the Nigerian Mission had received no notification from the US government indicating any restriction on Tinubu’s movement during the UNGA. Citing Section 11 of the 1947 Agreement between the United Nations and the United States, Ibrahim said representatives of member states and their families are protected from impediments to transit to and from the UN headquarters district. 

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According to him, the provision requires US federal, state and local authorities not to impose restrictions on the movement of representatives of member states, their families, UN officials, officials of specialised agencies and other persons invited to the headquarters district on official business.

Ibrahim also said attendance at the UNGA is ultimately determined by national priorities, noting that more than 60 per cent of those currently listed to speak are vice presidents and foreign ministers representing their countries. He said presidents could therefore delegate representation where necessary.

He stressed that an allegation does not amount to a criminal conviction, arguing that accusations must be established through due process and proved beyond reasonable doubt before a person can be found guilty. Ibrahim also dismissed social media efforts aimed at portraying Tinubu as liable to arrest in the United States, saying such attempts would ultimately fail.

He further explained that US law-enforcement agencies may invite individuals to provide information or statements during investigations and may collect identifying details, including personal and family history, educational records and fingerprints.

According to him, such information may be used to establish links between individuals, groups and networks, but remains protected and is not necessarily made public in investigations involving financial or other criminal offences. Ibrahim urged Nigerians to continue to respect the national flag and support what he described as the economic transformation being pursued under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.