Karl Von Batten, owner of US-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, has announced plans to sue President Bola Tinubu and Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa, for $36 million over alleged threats to kidnap and physically harm him.
The firm, which was hired by Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said the lawsuit would be filed next week at a US district court in Columbia.
Von Batten-Montague-York said the suit followed what it described as threats allegedly made by Fani-Kayode ‘as part of an organised criminal conspiracy involving the Nigerian Presidency.’
He said, ‘After filing next week, we will engage with U.S., U.K., and E.U. immigration authorities regarding the alleged extrajudicial threats and whether Ambassador Fani-Kayode’s travel or visa status warrants review.’
The planned litigation comes amid an escalating public dispute between Von Batten and Fani-Kayode over allegations concerning Tinubu’s past dealings with US law-enforcement agencies.
The lobbyist has in recent weeks intensified efforts to obtain and publicise US records relating to Tinubu, including through Freedom of Information Act requests and litigation.
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In July, the firm said it had submitted records relating to allegations against Tinubu to the US Department of Justice, members of the Donald Trump administration and congressional officials.
Fani-Kayode subsequently challenged Von Batten to substantiate his allegations against Tinubu and questioned his professional credentials and motives.
He also denied threatening to kidnap or harm the lobbyist.
‘For the record nobody is interested in ‘killing’ or ‘kidnapping’ you as you and your fake company have alleged on X,’ Fani-Kayode said.
‘I am not in the business of killing people or of kidnapping them but I am in the business of exposing liars and frauds who have dedicated their lives to smearing the President and Government that I serve and the country from which I proudly come,’he added.
Fani-Kayode said he would continue to engage Von Batten within the law. ‘I operate within the law and intend to continue to do so,’ he said.
He added that he would engage the lobbyist ‘as long as I choose to do so.’
The proposed $36 million action now adds a US legal dimension to the increasingly heated political and media confrontation surrounding Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.