Nigeria's Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has announced plans to file a $100 million suit against U.S.-based lobbyist Karl Von Batten. Fani-Kayode's decision comes in response to what he described as defamatory and libellous allegations made by Von Batten. The allegations were made in relation to an alleged organised criminal conspiracy involving the Nigerian Presidency. Fani-Kayode also disclosed that he would seek Von Batten's extradition from the United States to Nigeria.
The threat of legal action by Fani-Kayode follows an announcement by Von Batten that his firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., had been cleared to proceed with a $36 million lawsuit against Fani-Kayode and President Bola Tinubu. Von Batten's firm claims that Fani-Kayode made threats to kidnap and physically harm him. The suit is set to be filed in a United States District Court in Columbia. Von Batten's firm also plans to engage U.S., U.K., and E.U. immigration authorities to review Fani-Kayode's travel or visa status.
Fani-Kayode has denied making any threats against Von Batten and has challenged the lobbyist to provide evidence linking him, President Tinubu, or the Federal Government to any alleged threats. In a statement posted on X, Fani-Kayode rejected allegations of threatening Von Batten and accused the lobbyist of making serious allegations without evidence. Fani-Kayode also denied allegations that the Nigerian government engages in targeting, kidnapping, or killing opposition figures.
Fani-Kayode took issue with allegations made by Von Batten concerning President Tinubu's alleged criminal past. Fani-Kayode insisted that Tinubu had never been indicted or convicted by any court for drug smuggling. He also accused Von Batten of making unsubstantiated claims about the President and the Nigerian government. Fani-Kayode stated that he would address the allegations through legal channels rather than engage in further public exchanges.
Fani-Kayode warned that future dealings between both sides would be handled through their lawyers. He stated that he would be demanding at least $100 million in damages for Von Batten's alleged libellous falsehoods and vicious slander against him. Fani-Kayode also announced that he would pursue legal proceedings in Nigeria against Von Batten and seek his extradition from the United States.
The engagement between Von Batten's firm and Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, was reportedly valued at $1.2 million over a 12-month period. The agreement includes advocacy, diplomatic outreach, and efforts to present Atiku's perspectives on issues relating to Nigeria-U.S. relations. Von Batten-Montague-York was contracted by Atiku Abubakar in March.
Fani-Kayode concluded by stating that he would be prepared to address the allegations through legal channels. He emphasized that future interactions would be handled through their lawyers, adding "See you in court." The development marks an escalation in the dispute between Fani-Kayode and Von Batten.
Key points
- Fani-Kayode threatens $100m suit against Karl Von Batten over defamatory allegations.
- Fani-Kayode seeks Von Batten's extradition from the United States to Nigeria.
- The dispute arises from allegations of threats made by Fani-Kayode against Von Batten.
