Femi Fani-Kayode to Sue U.S. Lobbyist for $100M Defamation

Femi Fani-Kayode, serving as Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, has announced his intention to file a $100 million lawsuit against U.S.-based lobbyist Karl Von Batten, citing defamatory and libellous allegations. Fani-Kayode's legal action comes after Von Batten revealed plans to initiate a $36 million lawsuit against him and President Bola Tinubu in a U.S.

District Court in Columbia, claiming threats of kidnapping and physical harm. Fani-Kayode denied these allegations and challenged Von Batten to provide evidence linking him or the Nigerian government to any threats.

He condemned the accusations of the Nigerian government engaging in unlawful practices against opposition figures and defended President Tinubu against claims of a criminal past. Fani-Kayode stated he would pursue legal proceedings in both the U.S. and Nigeria and seek Von Batten’s extradition for alleged violations of cybercrime laws and criminal defamation.