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 Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode in the United States.
The firm disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, stating that it had been cleared and authorised to proceed with the lawsuit before the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
According to the firm, the planned legal action is connected to alleged threats of kidnapping and physical harm against its founder, Dr. Von Batten. The firm further alleged that the threats formed part of an organised criminal conspiracy involving the Nigerian presidency.
Lawsuit to Challenge Presidential Immunity
In its statement, Von Batten Montague-York said the case against President Tinubu would examine the limits of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) and head-of-state immunity while Tinubu remains in office.
The firm stated that the proposed complaint would rely on applicable District of Columbia tort law, the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
It also referenced specific provisions of United States law, including 28 U.S.C. § 1605B and 18 U.S.C. §§ 2331 and 2333, which address certain international terrorism-related claims and civil remedies under specified statutory conditions.
However, the precise legal applicability of these provisions and whether the proposed claims can proceed against the defendants would be matters for the US courts to determine.
Firm Plans Engagement With US, UK and EU Authorities
The law firm also announced plans to engage with immigration authorities in the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union following the anticipated filing of the lawsuit.
According to the statement, the firm intends to raise concerns about the alleged threats and request consideration of whether Fani-Kayode’s travel or visa status warrants review.
The firm cited terrorism-related inadmissibility provisions under Section 212(a)(3)(B) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act and visa revocation authority under Section 221(i). It acknowledged that any determination would be made by the relevant government authorities.
Lawsuit Yet to Be Confirmed in Federal Court
The announcement represents the law firm’s stated intention to initiate legal proceedings. A report published by 247ureports on September 23, 2026, said that the complaint had not yet appeared in the US District Court for the District of Columbia docket at the time of its report. The publication also noted that the $36 million claim and the firm’s authorisation to proceed were based on the firm’s own statement.
The reported lawsuit and allegations should therefore be distinguished from established court findings. Filing a complaint does not, by itself, establish liability or prove the allegations against any defendant.