Karl Von Batten, owner of US-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, has announced plans to sue President Bola Tinubu and Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria's ambassador to South Africa, for $36 million. The lawsuit, to be filed at a US district court in Columbia, claims alleged threats to kidnap and physically harm Von Batten. The firm was hired by Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The planned lawsuit follows allegations of threats made by Fani-Kayode as part of an organised criminal conspiracy involving the Nigerian Presidency, according to Von Batten-Montague-York. The firm will engage with U.S., U.K., and E.U. immigration authorities regarding the alleged extrajudicial threats and whether Ambassador Fani-Kayode's travel or visa status warrants review. This development escalates a public dispute between Von Batten and Fani-Kayode over allegations concerning Tinubu's past dealings with US law-enforcement agencies.
The lobbyist has intensified efforts to obtain and publicise US records relating to Tinubu, including through Freedom of Information Act requests and litigation. In July, the firm submitted records relating to allegations against Tinubu to the US Department of Justice, members of the Donald Trump administration, and congressional officials. Fani-Kayode subsequently challenged Von Batten to substantiate his allegations against Tinubu and questioned his professional credentials and motives.
Fani-Kayode denied threatening to kidnap or harm Von Batten, stating that he is not in the business of killing people or kidnapping them but rather exposing liars and frauds. He added that he would continue to engage Von Batten within the law. The proposed $36 million action adds a US legal dimension to the increasingly heated political and media confrontation surrounding Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The public dispute between Von Batten and Fani-Kayode began after the lobbyist made allegations against Tinubu. Fani-Kayode questioned Von Batten's credentials and motives, leading to an exchange of words between the two. The situation has now taken a legal turn with the planned lawsuit. The lawsuit's outcome may have implications for Tinubu's reputation and the 2027 presidential election.
The case may also raise questions about the role of lobbyists in international politics and the limits of free speech. Von Batten's firm was hired by Atiku Abubakar, a key figure in Nigerian politics, to lobby on his behalf. The lawsuit will likely be closely watched by those interested in Nigerian politics and international relations.
The confrontation between Von Batten and Fani-Kayode is a development in the increasingly heated political landscape in Nigeria. As the 2027 presidential election approaches, tensions are running high, and the lawsuit may be a significant factor in the election's outcome. The case is set to be heard in a US district court in Columbia.
Key points
- - US lobbyist Karl Von Batten to sue Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu and Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode for $36 million over alleged threats. - The lawsuit claims alleged threats to kidnap and physically harm Von Batten as part of an organised criminal conspiracy involving the Nigerian Presidency. - The case may have implications for Tinubu's reputation and the 2027 presidential election.
