Amanze Chinonye
A U.S. lobbying firm retained by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is preparing a $36 million federal lawsuit against Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode over alleged threats against its principal, Karl Von Batten.
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Von Batten-Montague-York said on Wednesday that it had been authorised to pursue the case and expected to file the complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia next week.
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The firm alleges that Fani-Kayode threatened to kidnap and physically harm Von Batten and links the alleged threats to what it describes as an organised criminal conspiracy involving Nigeria’s presidency.
The proposed litigation could raise questions about the jurisdiction of U.S. courts over claims involving a sitting foreign head of state. The firm said its complaint would invoke District of Columbia tort law, the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act.
It also cited 28 U.S.C. § 1605B and 18 U.S.C. §§ 2331 and 2333, provisions addressing certain international-terrorism claims and civil remedies. Whether those statutes provide a basis for the proposed action would be determined if the complaint is filed and challenged before the court.
Beyond the lawsuit, the firm said it intended to contact immigration authorities in the United States, Britain and the European Union regarding Fani-Kayode’s travel or visa status in connection with the allegations. Any decision on immigration or visa measures would rest within the relevant authorities.
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Von Batten-Montague-York’s relationship with Atiku is based on a 12-month, $1.2 million government-affairs and strategic-advisory agreement filed with the U.S. Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The agreement is separate from the firm’s proposed claims arising from the alleged threats against Von Batten.
If filed, the case would bring the dispute into the U.S. federal court system and require the firm’s allegations and legal theories to be tested through judicial proceedings.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
