A United States-based lobbying and advisory firm working for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has announced plans to file a $36 million federal lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu and Femi Fani-Kayode over alleged threats of kidnapping and physical harm against the firm’s principal, Dr Karl Von Batten.
Von Batten Montague-York, L.C. said in a statement on Wednesday that it had been “cleared and authorised” to proceed with the case, which it plans to file before the United States District Court for the District of Columbia next week.
The firm alleged that Fani-Kayode made threats against Von Batten and described the alleged threats as part of what it called an “organised criminal conspiracy” involving the Nigerian Presidency.
The allegation has not been established by a court.
The firm said its proposed action against Tinubu would raise questions around the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) and head-of-state immunity while he remains President of Nigeria.
It said the proposed complaint would rely on District of Columbia tort law, the FSIA, the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
The firm also cited 28 U.S.C. §1605B, which concerns specified international terrorism claims against foreign states, and 18 U.S.C. §§2331 and 2333, including provisions concerning international terrorism and civil remedies for qualifying US nationals.
Von Batten Montague-York said it would also contact US, UK and European Union immigration authorities after filing the case, asking them to review what it described as alleged extrajudicial threats and whether Fani-Kayode’s travel or visa status should be reviewed.
The firm stressed that any decision concerning immigration or visa status would be made by the relevant authorities.
The proposed lawsuit is the latest development in an increasingly public dispute involving Von Batten, Fani-Kayode and the Nigerian Presidency.
Fani-Kayode has previously disputed allegations made by Von Batten and has challenged claims surrounding the lobbying firm’s campaign and its principal. In a recent response, he denied having an interest in kidnapping or physically harming Von Batten.
The firm’s announcement also comes amid its broader political and lobbying work connected to Atiku Abubakar. TheCable reported that Von Batten-Montague-York was hired by Atiku and that the planned case is part of a wider dispute involving the firm and the Nigerian government.
Importantly, the lawsuit had not been filed in a US federal court as of Wednesday, according to reports tracking the announcement. The $36 million figure and the firm’s claim that it had been authorised to proceed were contained in the firm’s own statement, rather than a court judgment or confirmed award.
If filed as announced, the case would have to go through the US federal court process, including questions over jurisdiction, applicable immunity protections and whether the claims satisfy the requirements of the statutes cited by the firm.
For now, the allegations remain disputed and no court has determined liability against either Tinubu or Fani-Kayode in connection with the proposed case.
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
