A United States-based law firm, Von Batten Montague York, L.C., has alleged that President Bola Tinubu is determined to remain in power because the presidency could shield him from possible legal action abroad.
The firm made the claims in posts published on October 1 and 2.
According to the law firm, Tinubu’s continued occupation of the presidency is important because of the protection associated with head-of-state immunity.
It alleged that the President is aware that leaving office could remove a major barrier to renewed investigations into allegations involving heroin trafficking from Nigeria to the United States during the 1980s and 1990s.
The firm further claimed that losing presidential protection could expose Tinubu to renewed scrutiny and a possible criminal indictment.
In another October 2 post, the law firm praised Botswana’s President, Duma Gideon Boko, describing him as an honest man and human rights lawyer.
Boko attended a United Nations General Assembly leaders’ reception hosted by United States President Donald Trump.
The firm contrasted Boko’s presence at the event with Tinubu’s reported absence.
It alleged that Tinubu had been the subject of a major diplomatic engagement effort involving about $9 million and claims relating to access to $700 billion worth of Nigerian mineral resources.
The firm also alleged that Tinubu was disinvited from the event and was not seated close to Trump.
It further claimed that the Nigerian President was staying at a hotel in France and was angry over the law firm’s public statements.
Von Batten Montague York repeated its allegation that Tinubu was linked to a group involved in smuggling heroin from Nigeria into the United States.
The firm also argued that Washington should not associate itself with Tinubu or his administration.
The posts concluded with a broader call for political change in Nigeria, declaring that the time for change had arrived.
However, the allegations remain claims made by the US law firm.
There is no evidence in the material provided that US authorities have reopened a criminal investigation against Tinubu or issued a new indictment against him.
The claims come amid continuing political debates over Tinubu’s administration, his international relationships and allegations surrounding his political and legal history.
