By Sunday Ameh
A United States-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has accused Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, of allegedly threatening to kidnap and physically harm its principal, Dr Karl Von Batten.
The firm made the allegation in a post on its verified X account, saying it had begun briefing the US Department of State over the alleged threat.
It also claimed that a report had been forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 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 institute legal action 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, which the US Department of Justice defines as efforts by foreign governments to harm, intimidate, threaten, harass or coerce individuals beyond their borders.
The firm also referenced US federal laws relating to international terrorism and said it intended to present the matter, including possible arguments under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, before a federal court.
The allegation comes amid an ongoing dispute between Von Batten-Montague-York and Nigerian officials and political allies of President Bola Tinubu over the firm’s campaign seeking the release of US records relating to historical drug-trafficking allegations involving the President.
The claims by the lobbying firm had not been independently established in the report, and no response from Fani-Kayode or the Nigerian government was included.
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