US-based lobbying and advisory firm Von Batten-Montague-York has announced plans to file a $36 million federal lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, over alleged threats against the firm’s principal, Karl Von Batten.
The firm said it had been authorised to proceed with the case, which it intends to file at the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. It alleged that Fani-Kayode threatened to kidnap and physically harm Von Batten as part of an alleged organised conspiracy involving the Nigerian Presidency.
In a statement, the firm said the proposed case would raise questions concerning the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act and head-of-state immunity, particularly because Tinubu remains Nigeria’s sitting president. It also said the complaint would rely on US federal and District of Columbia laws, including provisions relating to civil claims arising from alleged terrorism.
The development follows a growing dispute between Von Batten-Montague-York and individuals associated with the Nigerian government over the firm’s campaign for the release of historical US records concerning allegations involving Tinubu.
Fani-Kayode has denied threatening Von Batten. In comments reported by TheCable, he said he had no interest in kidnapping or harming the lobbyist and maintained that he would continue challenging what he described as false claims against the Nigerian government.
The firm also said it planned to contact US, UK and European Union immigration authorities regarding Fani-Kayode’s travel or visa status. It acknowledged that any decision on immigration matters would rest with the relevant authorities.
The proposed lawsuit is significant because it could place questions about alleged threats, foreign sovereign immunity and the legal protections available to a sitting foreign president before a US court.
However, as of the latest reports, the $36 million complaint had not been confirmed as filed on the US federal court docket. The allegations made by Von Batten-Montague-York remain claims and have not been established by a court.
The dispute comes as the firm continues its campaign for access to historical US government records linked to allegations involving Tinubu, adding another layer to the political and legal controversy surrounding the issue.
