US firm files $57m lawsuit against Tinubu, Fani-Kayode, others

A United States-based advocacy firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has filed a $57 million lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode and DCI Group over allegations of defamation and conspiracy to kidnap and physically harm its founder, Dr Von Batten.

The firm disclosed this in a statement on Monday, stating that the suit was filed on September 28, 2026, at the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

According to the statement, the lawsuit seeks $36 million jointly from Tinubu and the Federal Government, $3 million from Fani-Kayode individually, and $18 million from DCI Group.

The firm said it delayed publicising the case while legal documents were being served on the foreign defendants in accordance with the United States Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.

It acknowledged that the claims against Tinubu and the Nigerian government could face legal challenges under the legislation but said it intended to pursue the case.

The advocacy firm alleged that a conspiracy had been organised to defame its founder, abduct him and cause him physical harm in an attempt to silence his advocacy activities.

It linked the alleged plot to Dr Von Batten’s efforts to obtain and raise issues concerning records held by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration relating to Tinubu and allegations of heroin trafficking.

The allegations remain claims made by the plaintiff and have not been established by a court. The report did not include responses from Tinubu, the Federal Government, Fani-Kayode or DCI Group to the lawsuit.