A United States lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has accused Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, of threatening to kidnap and physically harm its principal, Dr Karl Von Batten. The allegations stem from the firm's amplification of historical drug-trafficking allegations involving President Bola Tinubu. The firm made the allegations in a post on its verified X handle, stating that it had begun briefing the US Department of State over the threat.
According to Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., a report had also been forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, over ‘transnational repression’. The firm specifically named Fani-Kayode, stressing that it was preparing to file a lawsuit against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the former aviation minister over the alleged threats against Von Batten. This growing confrontation between the firm and officials and political allies of President Tinubu has sparked concerns over diplomatic relations.
The alleged conduct by Fani-Kayode is being documented as possible transnational repression, which the US Department of Justice defines as tactics used by foreign governments to harm, intimidate, threaten, harass or coerce individuals beyond their borders. Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. cited US federal law concerning international terrorism, saying it intends to present the matter before a federal court for determination.
The firm is seeking to file a lawsuit against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Fani-Kayode, including possible sovereign-immunity arguments under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. This development comes amid a growing confrontation between Von Batten-Montague-York and officials and political allies of President Tinubu over the firm’s campaign for the release of US records relating to historical drug-trafficking allegations involving the President.
Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. has begun briefing the State Department concerning the Nigerian Presidency’s threat, through one of its ambassadors, to kidnap and physically harm Dr. Von Batten. The US Department of State and the FBI are now involved in the matter, which could have significant implications for diplomatic relations between the US and Nigeria.
The allegations against Fani-Kayode have sparked concerns over the safety of Dr. Von Batten and the potential for further diplomatic tensions between the US and Nigeria. The situation is being closely monitored by the US Department of State and the FBI, which are taking steps to ensure Dr. Von Batten's safety and to address the alleged threats.
The confrontation between Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. and officials and political allies of President Tinubu has significant implications for diplomatic relations between the US and Nigeria. The outcome of the lawsuit and the involvement of the US Department of State and the FBI could have far-reaching consequences for the relationship between the two countries.
Key points
- US lobbying firm accuses Fani-Kayode of threatening to kidnap and harm its principal over Tinubu's drug case.
- Firm begins briefing US Department of State and FBI over alleged threats.
- Lawsuit to be filed against Federal Republic of Nigeria and Fani-Kayode.
