United States-based advocacy firm Von Batten-Montague-York has filed a $57 million federal lawsuit against Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government of Nigeria, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode and DCI Group, alleging defamation and a conspiracy to kidnap and physically harm its founder, Dr. Von Batten.
In a statement issued on Monday, the firm said it filed the complaint on September 28, 2026, at the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
“Announcement: On Monday, September 28, we filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia against Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and DCI Group for defamation and an alleged conspiracy to kidnap and physically harm Dr. Von Batten,” the statement said.
According to the firm, it is seeking $36 million jointly from President Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria, $3 million from Fani-Kayode and $18 million from DCI Group.
The firm said the lawsuit was initially kept confidential to allow for the proper service of court documents on the foreign defendants in accordance with the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA).
It acknowledged that the claims against the Nigerian president and the Federal Government could face procedural and legal challenges under the FSIA, but said it remained committed to pursuing the case.
The firm said the lawsuit arose from what it described as an attempt to silence its advocacy efforts concerning federal records relating to President Tinubu.
