A US-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, says it is ready to help Adeniyi Adeyemi, director-general of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), seek asylum and whistleblower protection in the United States.
The offer was made by the firm’s founder, Karl Von Batten, in a post on X while reacting to the growing controversy surrounding the PFIPC.
Von Batten argued that US authorities could have an interest in the matter because Nigeria’s national budget includes funds sourced from World Bank loans, with the United States being the institution’s largest shareholder.
The PFIPC has sparked controversy after reportedly operating like a government agency despite lacking any legal framework or presidential approval. The council allegedly had an allocation in the 2026 budget, occupied offices within the federal secretariat complex, and recruited staff.
Last month, the Presidency distanced itself from the council, insisting it does not exist under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
However, Adeyemi challenged that position, questioning how the agency appeared in the 2026 budget if it was never officially established.
In a fresh post on Monday, Von Batten said he had spoken with Adeyemi and found him “sincere and credible”, adding that the allegations deserved investigation by US authorities.
Adeyemi has alleged that Femi Gbajabiamila, the President’s Chief of Staff, appointed him as PFIPC director-general. He further claimed that Gbajabiamila received N400 million through a proxy and later demanded an additional N200 million to finalise his appointment.
He also called for an investigation into the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as an intermediary, while alleging that attempts had been made on his life.
According to Von Batten, the allegations should be investigated by the US Congress, the State Department, the Treasury Department, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and other relevant agencies over the alleged misuse of World Bank-funded loans.
The lobbyist also disclosed that he had briefed senior members of President Donald Trump’s team and said members of the US Congress would be briefed this week.
He warned that if any harm comes to Adeyemi or his family while he is preparing to cooperate with US authorities, President Tinubu would be held responsible and face legal consequences in the United States.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the PFIPC controversy and submit its findings within 30 days.
In April, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar retained Von Batten-Montague-York to protect and strengthen his reputation in the United States amid political developments ahead of the 2027 general election.
