A United States-based lobbying firm, Von Batten Montague-York, has announced plans to file a $36 million federal lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu and former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode.
The firm, which provides services to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, said the proposed suit would be filed before the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the firm alleged that its principal, Dr Karl Von Batten, had been subjected to threats of kidnapping and physical harm, which it attributed to Fani-Kayode.
The firm further alleged that the threats were connected to what it described as an organised criminal conspiracy involving individuals within the Nigerian Presidency.
However, the allegations have not been established by any court.
Announcing its intention to commence the legal action, the firm said, “We have been cleared and authorized to proceed with a $36 million federal lawsuit against Nigerian President Bola Tinubu (@OfficialABAT) and Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.”
According to the firm, the proposed case against Tinubu could also raise legal questions concerning the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act and head-of-state immunity while he remains Nigeria’s President.
The lobbying firm said it intends to base its claims on provisions of District of Columbia tort law, the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA), the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
It also referenced 28 U.S.C. § 1605B and 18 U.S.C. §§ 2331 and 2333, which it said form part of the legal basis for the claims it intends to pursue.
The firm said it expects to file the lawsuit next week.
Beyond the planned court action, Von Batten Montague-York said it intends to contact immigration authorities in the United States, United Kingdom and European Union regarding the alleged threats and possible implications for Fani-Kayode’s immigration or visa status.
It cited provisions of US immigration law relating to terrorism in explaining its proposed engagement with the relevant authorities, while acknowledging that any decision concerning immigration status would rest with the appropriate government agencies.
The announcement comes amid an ongoing dispute between the lobbying firm and individuals associated with the Tinubu administration.
The firm had previously alleged that Fani-Kayode threatened Von Batten with kidnapping and physical harm and said it had commenced communications with US authorities over the matter.
As of Wednesday, however, there was no confirmed filing of the $36 million lawsuit on the US federal court docket.
Consequently, the proposed damages claim, as well as the firm’s assertion that it had been cleared to proceed, remained based on the firm’s own announcement rather than a confirmed court filing.
The allegations against Tinubu and Fani-Kayode have also not been proven in court.
