Popular Broadcaster Jeffrey Guterman Reawakens Tinubu’s Money Laundering History
American commentator Jeffrey Guterman has reignited controversy around Bola Tinubu’s past by alleging that the Nigerian leader has “a history of laundering money in a U.S. bank.”
Guterman made the claim on Saturday through his verified X handle, a post that immediately triggered strong reactions from Nigerians and international observers online.
Some users referenced the 1993 United States civil forfeiture case in which Tinubu agreed to forfeit $460,000 from bank accounts linked by federal investigators to alleged heroin trafficking proceeds. He was not charged or convicted of money laundering, and Tinubu has consistently denied wrongdoing.
Fact-checking responses also surfaced under the post. Grok, an AI platform cited by users, explained:
“The claim refers to a 1993 US civil forfeiture case where Bola Tinubu forfeited $460,000 from bank accounts linked to alleged heroin trafficking proceeds. He was not criminally charged or convicted of money laundering or drug offenses. Tinubu denies involvement.”
While some critics dismissed Guterman’s statement as recycled allegations, others insisted the matter remains unresolved.
Christopher Olukoju wrote, “A man you accused of money laundering that still walks freely in your country and not convicted or cannot be convicted. Why do you think we will take you seriously? Worse still you endorsed a man who never built a single school in 8 years & whose only investment is in a beer factory.”
Another user, @zulukumbi, suggested a cover-up: “@realDonaldTrump just had a deal with @officialABAT not to expose his drug files, and in exchange for GMO foods in Nigeria, Bola Tinubu can visit the United States.”
Others questioned Washington’s silence. Laycon Stan @layconstan8 asked, “If true, why hasn’t the US government come for him?” while @SixLaw3 pressed American authorities directly: “When is @POTUS, @realDonaldTrump, and @SecRubio gonna declare him wanted like they did in Venezuela?”
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For many Nigerians, the resurfaced allegation touches on longstanding doubts about Tinubu’s legitimacy and integrity. Deezy (@Badboydeezy_) wrote, “Trust me, this does not sound new to us, he didn’t even win the election.”
The debate underscores how Tinubu’s past in the US continues to trail him, fueling renewed scrutiny of his presidency at a time Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship and a political class widely viewed as insulated from accountability.
