A United States lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has accused Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, of threatening to kidnap and physically harm its principal, Dr Karl Von Batten.
The firm alleged that the threats were linked to Von Batten’s efforts to amplify a drug-related case involving President Bola Tinubu.
In a post on its verified X handle, the firm said it had begun briefing the US Department of State over the alleged threat.
It also said a report had been forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation over what it described as possible “transnational repression.”
“We have begun briefing the State Department concerning the Nigerian Presidency’s threat, through one of its ambassadors, to kidnap and physically harm Dr. Von Batten,” the firm said.
The lobbying firm specifically named Fani-Kayode and said it was preparing to file a lawsuit against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the former aviation minister over the alleged threats.
It said the alleged conduct was being documented as possible transnational repression, a term used by the US Department of Justice to describe efforts by foreign governments to harm, intimidate, threaten, harass or coerce individuals outside their borders.
The firm also referenced US federal laws concerning international terrorism and said it intended to present the matter before a federal court, including arguments that may involve the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.
The allegations come amid an escalating dispute between Von Batten-Montague-York and officials and political allies of President Tinubu over the firm’s campaign for the release of US records concerning historical drug-trafficking allegations involving the President.
Fani-Kayode has not been quoted in the report as responding to the allegations.
