US Firm Accuses Fani-Kayode of Kidnap Threat — FBI Reported
A fresh controversy has erupted involving Femi Fani-Kayode after a United States lobbying firm accused the Nigerian envoy of threatening to kidnap and physically harm its principal, Dr Karl Von Batten.
The firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., made the allegation on its verified X account on September 22, 2026, saying it had begun briefing the US Department of State and forwarded a report to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to the firm, the alleged threat is connected to its campaign for the release of US records relating to historical drug-related allegations involving President Bola Tinubu.
The lobbying firm described the matter as possible “transnational repression” and said it was preparing legal action against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Fani-Kayode.
It also stated that it was documenting the alleged incident for presentation to US authorities and a possible federal court case.
The accusation has not been independently verified, and the firm’s claims should not be treated as established findings by US law enforcement.
The dispute comes amid an increasingly public exchange between Fani-Kayode and Von Batten over the lobbying firm’s efforts to draw attention to historical US records concerning Tinubu.
In a statement published by Premium Times on September 22, Fani-Kayode challenged Von Batten’s interpretation of his earlier X post and denied that it constituted a threat to his life or liberty.
The latest development adds another layer to the ongoing dispute involving the lobbying firm, Fani-Kayode and the Tinubu administration.
For now, the kidnapping and physical-harm claims remain allegations made by the firm. Any legal or law-enforcement findings would be needed to establish what occurred.
AR
