US lobbyist sues Tinubu and Nigeria for $57 million
Karl Von Batten alleges defamation and a plot to harm him. A lobbying firm also named in the Washington suit calls the claims absurd.
Washington — A Washington lobbyist has sued President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian government, a former minister and an American lobbying firm for $57 million in a United States court, Premium Times reports.
Karl Von Batten filed the case in the District Court for the District of Columbia on 28 September. He alleges defamation and a conspiracy to kidnap or physically harm him. None of the allegations has been tested in court.
Who is being sued
The claim seeks $36 million from Tinubu and Nigeria, $18 million from the lobbying firm DCI Group and $3 million from Femi Fani-Kayode, a former aviation minister.
The case is before Judge Randolph D. Moss.
The responses
DCI Group rejected the claims. "Mr. Von Batten's allegations are so far past unfounded that they reach the point of the absurd," said its representative, Craig Stevens.
Fani-Kayode's office said he had not been formally served and stood by his earlier denial.
The report records a disagreement between American lobbying firms over the case.
This report is based on reporting by Premium Times, published by AllAfrica.
