A United States‑based advocacy consultancy, Von Batten‑Montague‑York, has initiated a federal lawsuit seeking $57 million against Nigerian President [Bola Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Tinubu), the [Federal Government of Nigeria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Government_of_Nigeria), former Aviation Minister [Femi Fani‑Kayode](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Femi_Fani- Kayode), and the public‑relations firm [DCI Group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DCI_Group), alleging defamation and a conspiracy to kidnap and physically harm its founder, Dr. Von Batten.
The firm said the complaint was lodged on 28 September 2026 in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, a fact it made public in a Monday statement.
"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 filing, the claim seeks $36 million jointly from President Tinubu and the federal government, $3 million from Fani‑Kayode individually, and $18 million from DCI Group.
The lawsuit was initially kept confidential to allow proper service of process on the foreign defendants under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA).
The firm acknowledged that pursuing claims against a sitting head of state and the Nigerian government will face procedural hurdles under the FSIA, but said it remains determined to move forward.
The action, the firm said, stems from an attempt to silence its advocacy concerning federal records related to President Tinubu.