A United States-based law firm working for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Von Batten Montague-York, has announced plans to file a $36 million federal lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu and former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode.
The firm said in a statement that it had been cleared and authorised to commence the case at the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
According to the firm, the proposed lawsuit stems from alleged threats of kidnapping and physical harm against its principal, Dr Karl Von Batten. It alleged that the threats were made by Fani-Kayode as part of what it described as an organised criminal conspiracy involving the Nigerian Presidency.
The firm said the case involving President Tinubu would raise questions about the application of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act and head-of-state immunity while he remains in office. It also said the complaint would rely on U.S. laws including the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Von Batten Montague-York said it plans to file the lawsuit next week. It further stated that, following the filing, it would contact immigration authorities in the United States, United Kingdom and European Union over Fani-Kayode’s travel and visa status in relation to the allegations.
The firm acknowledged that any decision on immigration or visa matters would rest with the relevant authorities.
As of the latest reports, the proposed lawsuit had not yet been confirmed as filed in the U.S. federal court, and the allegations made by the firm have not been established by a court.
