Defamation swimsuit: Our attorneys will meet Atiku's US lobbyist in court docket – Laolu Akande

Former presidential spokesman and host of Channels TV’s Inside Sources, Laolu Akande, has mentioned his attorneys will meet US lobbyist Mr. Karl Von Batten in court docket over a defamation swimsuit filed within the US District Court for the District of Columbia.

Akande, who confirmed that his authorized group additionally represents co-defendants Ademola Bello, Sahara Reporters and Channels TV’s Inside Sources, mentioned the matter might be defended on its deserves.

In an earlier tweet, Akande had requested Von Batten to touch upon documentary proof that the US lobbyist also referred to as Ikemefuna Okeke was convicted of home violence years in the past.

The swimsuit, Von Batten v Sahara Reporters Media Group Inc & Ors, Case No. 1:26-cv-03209, was initially filed in opposition to Sahara Reporters and reporter Ademola Bello over a September 14, 2026 article titled “The Talented Mr Karl Marx Von Batten…” which questioned Von Batten’s credentials and lobbying contract.

The grievance was amended on September 21 so as to add Akande, buying and selling as Empowered Newswire, and Channels Incorporated Limited, after Inside Sources examined Von Batten’s document. The plaintiff, Von Batten-Montague-York LC, introduced on November 2 that Akande had been served.

Court filings reviewed present that Von Batten is continuing professional se at this stage within the defamation motion. This means he’s representing his agency himself with out an exterior regulation agency on document.

Von Batten-Montague-York is registered below FARA as a lobbyist for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. FARA filings checklist the engagement as $1.2 million for 12 months. FARA registration doesn’t disclose how litigation is funded.

In a separate however associated FOIA litigation over FBI/DEA data – Greenspan v Executive Office for US Attorneys, Case No. 23-cv-1816 – Judge Beryl A. Howell on October 30 dismissed a movement by non-party Karl Von Batten in search of depart to file an amicus curiae temporary.

The court docket additionally dismissed related requests for discovery in that FOIA case. According to the Nigeria Lawyer’s report of the ruling, the court docket discovered the proposed amicus “largely repeated arguments already before it and included material whose accuracy was disputed”.

Notable Nigerian attorneys following the matter in Washington say Akande and co-defendants might discover counter-claims if they’ll show the swimsuit impugns their skilled integrity by alleging, with out proof, that they’re being utilized by the Nigerian authorities.

Under DC regulation, potential grounds that attorneys would possibly take a look at embrace:

“Malicious prosecution / abuse of process – if they can show the suit was filed with improper purpose and without probable cause.”

“Anti-SLAPP – DC has a strong Anti-SLAPP statute (DC Code 16-5502) that allows early dismissal of suits filed to chill speech on public interest matters, with attorney fees awarded to defendants,” the assertion added.