In a recent publication, former Nigerian Minister Femi Fani-Kayode launched a scathing attack on Karl Von Batten, also known as Ikemefuna Okeke, over his allegations against President Tinubu. Fani-Kayode described Von Batten as an inconsequential figure who is not recognized in notable circles anywhere in the world, including his adopted nation, America. He accused Von Batten of changing his name to hide his past and give a false impression of having German ancestry.
Fani-Kayode disputed Von Batten's claims that President Tinubu was involved in drug smuggling, stating that there is no evidence to support these allegations. He cited a 2003 letter from Michael H. Bonner of the American Consulate in Nigeria, which stated that an FBI NCIC check on Tinubu was "negative for any criminal arrest records, wants, or warrants." Fani-Kayode challenged Von Batten to produce evidence of an indictment or conviction if he has any.
Fani-Kayode also questioned Von Batten's credibility, stating that he has used at least nine different names and falsely claims to have graduated from at least five different universities. He accused Von Batten of being a convict and a certified criminal, who was indicted and convicted by an American court in 2003. Fani-Kayode described Von Batten's actions as a case study of subterfuge, hypocrisy, criminality, and deceit.
Fani-Kayode further alleged that Von Batten's wife, Elizabeth Von Batten, also changed her name from Kathy Grier to Liz Blazevich and then to Elizabeth Von Batten in an attempt to hide her past. He accused Von Batten of trying to give a false impression that he is an upstanding and credible individual, when in fact, he is not. Fani-Kayode described Von Batten as dodgy and crooked, comparing him to a second-hand car salesman and a common criminal.
Fani-Kayode also touched on Von Batten's alleged involvement with Atiku Abubakar, a former Nigerian Vice President. He stated that Von Batten was paid $1.2 million to discredit President Tinubu and that his actions are a reflection of Atiku's poor judgment. Fani-Kayode also mentioned a 1993 civil forfeiture case involving President Tinubu's bank accounts, which Von Batten has been trying to use to justify his allegations.
Fani-Kayode responded to Von Batten's claims that he is in danger of being murdered or kidnapped by him. He urged everyone to read a tweet he posted on September 20th, which Von Batten claimed was a threat to his life and liberty. Fani-Kayode stated that Von Batten's interpretation of the tweet is off the mark and that nobody is interested in harming him. He accused Von Batten of being a spineless quisling and screaming like a gutted pig.
Fani-Kayode concluded by stating that he will continue to expose Von Batten's lies and fraud, and that he will engage with him on all fronts as long as he chooses. He emphasized that everyone, including Von Batten, is accountable before the law, especially when they violate the Cybercrime Act and use social media to spread defamatory lies.
Key points
- - Fani-Kayode calls Von Batten a convict and a deceitful individual. - Fani-Kayode disputes Von Batten's claims against Tinubu, citing a 2003 letter from the American Consulate. - Fani-Kayode questions Von Batten's credibility, alleging that he has used multiple names and falsely claims to have graduated from several universities.
