] 18:T72c,

A United States 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 said a report had been submitted 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 stated.

Von Batten-Montague-York specifically mentioned Fani-Kayode and said it was preparing to file a lawsuit against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the former aviation minister over the alleged threats.

The firm said it was documenting the matter as a possible case of transnational repression, which the US Department of Justice describes as efforts by foreign governments to intimidate, threaten, harass, harm or coerce people outside their borders.

It also referenced US federal laws relating to international terrorism and said it intended to present the matter before a federal court, including arguments that could involve the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.

The allegation comes amid an escalating dispute between Von Batten-Montague-York and officials and political allies of President Bola Tinubu over the firm’s campaign seeking the release of US records concerning historical drug-trafficking allegations involving the Nigerian president.

The allegations by the lobbying firm have not been independently established in the information provided.

US Lobbying Firm Accuses Fani-Kayode of Threatening to Harm Principal

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