A US-based firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, says it reported alleged attempts to interfere with a probe linked to drug-trafficking allegations involving Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ).
The firm made the disclosure in a post on its verified X handle on Thursday, saying it preserved copies of communications it received and subsequently provided screenshots to US authorities.
According to the firm, its leader, Dr. Von Batten, rejected offers contained in the communications and retained records of the exchanges.
The firm said it decided to report the matter to the DOJ after considering the amount of money allegedly discussed, a proposed confidential meeting in London and a request to communicate through disappearing messages.
“Out of an abundance of caution and to protect our reputation, we reported the incident to the Department of Justice and provided screenshots of the communications we received,” the firm said.
It added that the circumstances surrounding the communications prompted concerns serious enough to warrant bringing the matter to the attention of appropriate US authorities.
The firm said it would now leave the matter with the DOJ to determine whether the communications require further review.
The disclosure comes amid ongoing public and political controversy surrounding allegations concerning Tinubu. However, the claims referenced in the firm’s statement should not be treated as proof of drug trafficking or of any established attempt by the Nigerian president or his government to interfere with a US investigation.
