A United States-based political advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has alleged that it was offered $3 million to stop its campaign concerning records linked to President Bola Tinubu.
The firm said it reported the alleged offer to the US Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), while preserving copies of the communications relating to the proposal.
According to the firm, the offer was made through a highly placed individual whom it was told was connected to Tinubu.
The firm said the individual also invited its principal, Dr Von Batten, to a confidential meeting in London.
It alleged that the offer was intended to persuade it to end its campaign concerning records relating to allegations of heroin trafficking involving Tinubu.
Dr Von Batten said he rejected the offer and subsequently contacted members of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s campaign to establish the nature of the individual’s alleged relationship with the President.
The firm further claimed that a smear campaign against Dr Von Batten began shortly after he rejected the proposal.
It said the alleged $3 million offer and related communications would be made available to US authorities for investigation.
The firm added that it would continue with its campaign and urged relevant US authorities to review the matter.
Tinubu has consistently denied allegations linking him to drug trafficking, while the reported claims remain allegations and do not amount to a criminal conviction.
