Von Batten-Montague-York, a Washington-based lobbying firm, has announced its readiness to assist Adeniyi Adeyemi, the director-general of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), in seeking asylum and whistleblower protection in the United States.
Karl Von Batten, the founder of the lobbying firm, disclosed this in a statement over the weekend, reacting to the growing scandal surrounding the unrecognized council.
Von Batten stated that U.S. authorities would be interested in the case because Nigeria’s national budget is partially funded by World Bank loans. The United States is the largest shareholder in the World Bank.
The PFIPC Controversy
Despite lacking a legal framework or a formal presidential decree, the PFIPC reportedly operated as a government agency. It secured an allocation in Nigeria’s 2026 national budget, maintained an office at the Federal Secretariat complex in Abuja, and actively recruited staff.
Last month, the presidency distanced itself from the council, declaring that the agency does not exist under the current administration.
However, Adeyemi challenged the presidency’s disclaimer, questioning how a non-existent body could be allocated funding in the approved 2026 federal budget.
In a update on Monday, Von Batten said he had spoken directly with Adeyemi and found his assertions to be credible.
“Based on our discussion, I believe his allegations warrant an investigation by Congress, the State Department, the Treasury, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), 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 said.
Gravity of Allegations
Adeyemi has leveled severe corruption allegations against top government officials. He alleged that Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, appointed him as director-general of the PFIPC.
Adeyemi further claimed that Gbajabiamila received N400 million through an intermediary and demanded an additional N200 million to secure the appointment.
Furthermore, the embattled PFIPC boss has called for an investigation into the sudden death of Babatunde Tanimola—whom he identified as the intermediary in the transaction—alleging that there have also been attempts on his own life.
U.S. Involvement and Local Probe
Von Batten stated that he has already briefed members of President Donald Trump’s team on the matter, adding that his firm will begin briefing members of the U.S. Congress this week.
He warned that if any harm comes to Adeyemi or his family, the lobbying firm would pressure U.S. authorities to hold President Tinubu accountable.
In response to the escalating crisis, President Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch an investigation into the scandal and submit its findings within 30 days.
Notably, Von Batten-Montague-York is the same firm hired in April by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to manage his public relations and reputational standing in the United States ahead of the 2027 general elections.
