Presidency Denies U.S. Arrest Claims Against Tinubu

The Nigerian presidency has rejected claims that the United States could arrest President Bola Tinubu, labeling them as "pure nonsense" and politically motivated. This statement follows the announcement that President Tinubu would not attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Ademola Oshodi, the Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Protocol to the President, addressed these claims during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. He argued that the United States would not arrest a sitting head of state, citing historical examples of leaders like Muammar Gaddafi, Fidel Castro, and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who engaged with the U.S. despite political tensions.

Oshodi emphasized that the allegations are unfounded and part of the political discourse during the election season, asserting that there are no barriers preventing leaders from visiting the U.S.