Former Nigerian lawmaker Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma has announced plans to take legal action against US-based lobbyist Karl Von Batten, also known as Ikemefuna Okeke, over a publication that linked his recent petition against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to President Bola Tinubu. Agbonayinma, a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), rejected claims that his 14-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was part of a political move by Tinubu or the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The controversy began when Agbonayinma filed a petition through his lawyer, Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, asking the EFCC to revisit allegations involving Atiku from the period when he served as Vice President under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received by the EFCC on September 1, gave the commission 14 days to act or face possible legal proceedings. Agbonayinma based his demand on an earlier EFCC investigation and report concerning allegations against Atiku between 2005 and 2006.
Agbonayinma has maintained that his demand was not an attempt to use the EFCC against a political opponent ahead of the 2027 presidential election. He stated that his decision was personal and motivated by his belief that allegations of financial impropriety involving public officials should be properly investigated. Agbonayinma stressed that he had not been instructed by the President or the APC to approach the anti-graft agency, adding that his action was entirely personal.
The use of Agbonayinma's photograph in the publication created a misleading impression about his identity and the reason behind his petition, according to the former lawmaker. He warned that he would explore legal options against those responsible for what he described as a deliberate misrepresentation of his position. Agbonayinma also insisted that the issues contained in his petition should be treated separately from the ongoing political contest between Tinubu and Atiku.
US-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, linked to Karl Von Batten, was engaged by Atiku under a reported 12-month agreement worth $1.2 million. The firm has been involved in efforts to draw attention in the United States to records and allegations concerning Tinubu. The firm had previously accused the Nigerian government of attempting to use law enforcement agencies against Atiku after Agbonayinma's petition was submitted to the EFCC.
Agbonayinma has now distanced himself from the narrative that his EFCC petition was sponsored by Tinubu or the APC. He said his nationality and personal convictions were enough reasons for him to demand action from the anti-graft agency. The former lawmaker also challenged those criticising the petition to focus on the allegations contained in it rather than his political affiliations or personality.
The dispute over the petition has already generated reactions from political figures, including former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye, a prominent member of the ADC. Melaye criticised the move and questioned the decision to revive allegations concerning Atiku. Agbonayinma subsequently challenged Melaye to produce official records showing that the allegations raised in his petition had been conclusively resolved.
Key points
- Agbonayinma threatens legal action against US lobbyist Karl Von Batten over a report linking his petition against Atiku Abubakar to President Bola Tinubu.
- The petition, filed by Agbonayinma, asks the EFCC to revisit allegations involving Atiku from the period when he served as Vice President under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
- Agbonayinma denies that his action was part of a political move by Tinubu or the APC, stating that his decision was personal and motivated by his belief in accountability and the rule of law.
