Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu and members of his family enjoy unhindered transit to and from the United States during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Ibrahim made the claim through the Office of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York while participating in the ongoing UNGA activities.
According to him, the Nigerian Mission has received no communication from the United States indicating that any restriction has been placed on Tinubu’s movement.
Ibrahim cited Section 11 of the 1947 Agreement between the United Nations and the United States, which he said provides protections for representatives of UN member states and their families travelling to and from the UN headquarters district for official business.
He explained that the provision requires US federal, state and local authorities to avoid imposing restrictions on the movement of representatives of member states, their families, UN officials and other invited persons attending official UN business.
Ibrahim Addresses Arrest Claims
The ambassador also addressed claims circulating on social media that Tinubu could face arrest in the United States.
Ibrahim 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 an individual can be found guilty.
He dismissed what he described as social media efforts to portray Tinubu as liable to arrest in the US, saying such claims would ultimately fail.
The Tinubu US arrest debate comes as world leaders and senior government officials gather for the UN General Assembly in New York.
Ibrahim noted that attendance at the UNGA is influenced by national priorities and pointed out that many countries are represented by vice presidents or foreign ministers rather than their presidents.
He said presidents therefore have the option of delegating representation when necessary.
The Nigerian envoy further explained that US law-enforcement agencies can invite individuals to provide information during investigations and collect identifying information where legally permitted.
He said such information could help investigators establish connections between individuals, groups and networks, while noting that investigative information relating to financial or other alleged criminal offences is not necessarily made public.
Ibrahim urged Nigerians to continue respecting the national flag and supporting what he described as the economic transformation being pursued by the Tinubu administration.
The Tinubu US arrest claim remains a subject of public discussion, particularly as the Nigerian president participates in activities surrounding the UN General Assembly.
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