A legal dispute involving Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a new turn after United States-based political advisory and lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York announced that it had submitted additional documents in a federal case connected to the Nigerian leader.

The firm disclosed the development in a statement posted on its verified X account, claiming that a newly filed court document referenced criminal proceedings and public reports concerning an alleged hacking operation targeting American activists.

According to the firm, the material raised questions about DCI Group, a Washington-based lobbying firm working for the Nigerian government, which it alleged had links to the operation. The alleged activity reportedly involved obtaining information without authorisation and using the material to discredit critics.

However, the allegations have not been established as facts by a court, and the reported references in the filing do not, by themselves, establish that Tinubu or the Nigerian government directed or participated in any hacking operation.

Von Batten-Montague-York said the latest development warranted further scrutiny in light of its separate lawsuit against Tinubu, the Federal Government of Nigeria, former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode and DCI Group.

The lawsuit, filed on September 28, 2026, at the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, seeks a total of $57 million in damages over allegations of defamation and a conspiracy to kidnap and physically harm the firm’s founder, Dr Karl Von Batten.

The firm is seeking $36 million jointly from Tinubu and the Federal Government, $3 million from Fani-Kayode and $18 million from DCI Group. These are claims made by the plaintiff, and the filing does not mean the defendants have been found liable.

In its latest statement, Von Batten-Montague-York argued that the alleged hacking activity raised broader concerns about foreign interference, American sovereignty and the possible use of cross-border pressure against critics.

The firm also referred to the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi as an example of the dangers journalists and critics may face when challenging powerful interests. It said it was considering its next steps in response to the developments.

DCI Group, however, has rejected the allegations in the broader lawsuit. In comments reported by PREMIUM TIMES on October 9, a representative of the firm described Von Batten’s claims as unfounded and said DCI’s work for the Nigerian government focused on strengthening relations with American policymakers.

Fani-Kayode’s office has also maintained its denial of the allegations and told PREMIUM TIMES that he had not been formally served with the lawsuit at the time of the report. The Presidency had been contacted for comment but had not publicly responded to the enquiries reported by the newspaper.

The dispute has drawn attention because it involves competing lobbying interests in Washington and allegations concerning the treatment of political critics. Von Batten-Montague-York has been engaged in advocacy work on issues relating to records held by US agencies concerning Tinubu, while DCI Group has been hired by the Nigerian government for lobbying activities in the United States.

The latest announcement adds another layer to the legal dispute, but the claims surrounding the alleged hacking operation and the accusations in the $57 million lawsuit remain contested. Their validity will depend on the evidence presented and any findings made through the relevant legal proceedings.

For now, the development represents a fresh allegation from one of the parties involved rather than a judicial determination against Tinubu, the Nigerian government or DCI Group.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia