We’ll Meet in Court – Laolu Akande Responds to Atiku’s US Lobbyist Over Defamation Suit

 Former presidential spokesman and host of Channels TV’s
Inside Sources, Laolu Akande, has stated his legal professionals will meet US lobbyist Mr.
Karl Von Batten in courtroom over a defamation go well with 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,
stated the matter shall be defended on its deserves.

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

The go well with, Von Batten v Sahara Reporters Media Group Inc
& Ors, Case No. 1:26-cv-03209, was initially filed towards 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 report. 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 legislation agency on report.

Von Batten-Montague-York is registered beneath 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 go away to file an amicus curiae temporary.

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

Notable Nigerian legal professionals following the matter in Washington
say Akande and co-defendants may discover counter-claims if they will show the
go well with impugns their skilled integrity by alleging, with out proof, that
they’re being utilized by the Nigerian authorities.

Under DC legislation, potential grounds that legal professionals may take a look at
embrace:

“Malicious prosecution / abuse of course of – if they will
present the go well with was filed with improper goal and with out possible trigger.”

“Anti-SLAPP – DC has a robust Anti-SLAPP statute (DC
Code 16-5502) that enables early dismissal of fits filed to relax speech on
public curiosity issues, with lawyer charges awarded to defendants,” the
assertion added.

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