Atiku’s US lobbyist accuses Tinubu government of intimidation
Atiku Abubakar’s US-based lobby firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has accused the Nigerian government of political intimidation and human rights abuses. The firm claims that critics of President Bola Tinubu are being targeted through arrests and legal pressure. It also highlighted ongoing legal challenges faced by figures like Nasir El-Rufai and John Olatunde Ayeni. The lobbyist warns it may brief the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and the US Congress about these concerns.
What we know
- Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., hired by Atiku Abubakar, alleges the Nigerian government is consolidating power through fear and intimidation.
- The firm claims public figures and ordinary citizens critical of Bola Tinubu’s administration are facing arrests, detention, or corruption charges.
- Ongoing legal issues involving Nasir El-Rufai and John Olatunde Ayeni were cited as examples of targeting government critics.
- The lobbyist alleges thousands of Nigerians are being arrested, beaten, intimidated, or disappearing without international attention.
- The firm warns it may brief the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and the US Congress on the alleged weaponisation of state institutions in Nigeria.
