US Firm Accuses Fani-Kayode of Kidnapping Threat

Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., a US lobbying firm, has alleged that Femi Fani-Kayode, the Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, threatened to kidnap and physically harm its principal, Dr. Karl Von Batten. This allegation is connected to the firm's efforts to obtain US records regarding historical drug-trafficking allegations involving President Bola Tinubu.

The firm announced via its verified 𝕏 handle that it has begun briefing the US Department of State about the alleged threats and has forwarded a report to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), describing the situation as “transnational repression.” The firm specifically named Fani-Kayode in its claims and is preparing to file a lawsuit against both the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Fani-Kayode. They are documenting the alleged conduct as potential transnational repression, referencing the US Department of Justice's definition of tactics used by foreign governments to intimidate individuals beyond their borders.

The firm plans to present the case in federal court, including possible arguments related to sovereign immunity under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.