US Firm Files $57 million Lawsuit Against President Tinubu, Fani-Kayode, Others Over Alleged Defamation, Kidnap Plot.

A United States-based advocacy firm, Von Batten-Montague-York has filed a $57 million federal lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu, the Federal  Government of Nigeria, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, and the DCI Group, alleging defamation and plot to kidnap and physically harm its founder, Dr. Von Batten. 
Montague-York said in a statement on Monday,  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,” Montague-York noted.
The firm stressed that, 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, pointing out that the legal action was initially kept under wraps to allow for proper service of processes on foreign defendants under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, FSIA.