A US-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, LC, says it is prepared to assist Adeniyi Adeyemi, director-general of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), in seeking asylum and whistleblower protection.
Karl Von Batten, founder of the firm, made the offer in a post on X on Saturday while reacting to reports surrounding the PFIPC.
Von Batten said US authorities would be interested in the case because funds from the World Bank form part of Nigeria’s national budget. The US is the World Bank’s largest shareholder.
Despite having no legal framework or presidential declaration, the PFIPC operated like a government agency with an allocation in the 2026 budget, an office in the Federal Secretariat Complex and recruited staff.
Last month, the Presidency distanced itself from the council, insisting it does not exist under the current administration.
However, Adeyemi challenged the disclaimer, questioning how the purported agency appeared in the 2026 budget if, as maintained by the Presidency, the body does not exist.
In a post on Monday, Von Batten said he spoke with Adeyemi and “found him to be sincere and credible”.
The lobbyist said Adeyemi’s allegations warranted an investigation by US authorities.
Adeyemi alleged that Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, appointed him director-general of the PFIPC.
He also alleged that Gbajabiamila received N400 million through a proxy and demanded an additional N200 million to secure his appointment.
Adeyemi further called for an investigation into the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as an intermediary, and alleged that attempts had been made on his life.
“Based on our discussion, I believe his allegations warrant an investigation by Congress, @StateDept, @USTreasury, @USGAO, and other relevant U.S. agencies due to the alleged misappropriation of U.S.-funded World Bank loans by senior members of the #Nigerian government,” Von Batten wrote.
Von Batten said he had briefed senior members of President Donald Trump’s team on the matter and that the lobbying team would begin briefing members of Congress this week.
The lobbyist said if any harm comes to Adeyemi or his family while he is prepared to speak with US officials, Tinubu would be held responsible and made to face justice in the US.
Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the allegations and submit its findings within 30 days.
In April, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar hired Von Batten-Montague-York to protect and strengthen his reputational standing in the US.
Atiku’s engagement of the firm came as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the political party adopted by Atiku and other opposition leaders, faced a leadership dispute over its 2027 presidential ticket.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on: