Tinubu and Family Protected from Arrest at UNGA

Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, confirmed that President Bola Tinubu and his family have unimpeded transit rights and cannot be arrested in the United States while attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He stated that the Nigerian Mission in New York has not received any notifications from the U.S. government regarding restrictions on President Tinubu's movement during the UNGA.

Ibrahim referenced Section 11 of the 1947 UN-U.S. Agreement, which protects representatives of member states and their families from transit impediments.

He noted that participation in the UNGA is based on national priorities and that a president may delegate representation. Ibrahim also mentioned a past incident involving a former Nigerian president, who faced restrictions related to a drug matter, emphasizing that allegations must be proven in court.

He asserted that social media cannot criminalize or arrest President Tinubu and that any criminal allegations must be substantiated through due process.