A United States-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has made a serious allegation against Nigerian High Commissioner-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode. The firm claims Fani-Kayode threatened its principal, Dr. Karl Von Batten, with kidnapping and physical harm. This alleged threat is reportedly linked to the firm's campaign concerning historical drug-related records involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The dispute between Von Batten and Nigerian government officials centers on efforts to draw attention to old United States records connected to a 1993 civil forfeiture case involving funds associated with Tinubu. The firm has begun notifying United States authorities about what it describes as a threat against Von Batten. According to the firm, Fani-Kayode's alleged threat is part of a broader pattern of intimidation and harassment.
Von Batten-Montague-York identified Fani-Kayode in its allegation and said it is considering legal action against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the former Minister of Aviation. The firm has preserved screenshots and other materials relating to the alleged communication. This matter is being presented to American authorities as a possible case of "transnational repression".
The term "transnational repression" generally refers to efforts by governments or their agents to intimidate, threaten, harass or otherwise target people outside their own territory. Von Batten-Montague-York plans to brief officials in the United States, including the Department of State and federal law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The accusation comes only days after Fani-Kayode publicly challenged the American firm to produce evidence for its claims concerning Tinubu and alleged drug trafficking. Fani-Kayode argued that references to a 1993 US Department of Justice civil forfeiture complaint should not be presented as proof that Tinubu personally trafficked heroin.
Fani-Kayode maintained that civil forfeiture proceedings are directed at property and should not be treated as a criminal conviction against an individual. He challenged Von Batten-Montague-York to provide evidence supporting its interpretation of the historical records. The latest allegation has added another layer to an increasingly public dispute involving Fani-Kayode, Von Batten and the Nigerian Presidency.
The firm's campaign has focused heavily on historical US government records concerning Tinubu, relating to a 1993 civil forfeiture case in the United States involving approximately $460,000 linked to accounts associated with Tinubu. Tinubu has denied wrongdoing in relation to the allegations, and the Nigerian government has disputed the way the historical records are being presented by Von Batten and its associates.
Key points
- US lobbying firm alleges Fani-Kayode threatened its principal with kidnapping and physical harm.
- Dispute centers on historical US records involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
- Allegation adds to public dispute between Fani-Kayode, Von Batten, and Nigerian Presidency.
