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

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 the 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 announced that the complaint was lodged 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 read.

According to the firm, the lawsuit seeks $36 million jointly from President Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria, $3 million individually from Fani-Kayode, and $18 million from the DCI Group. The legal action was initially kept under wraps to allow for proper service of process on foreign defendants under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA).

Acknowledging potential procedural complexities, the firm noted that claims against the Nigerian head of state and the federal government will encounter legal hurdles under the FSIA, but emphasized its resolve to pursue the case.

The litigation stems from what the firm describes as an effort to silence its advocacy work regarding federal records concerning President Tinubu.