US firm threatens asset seizure as ex-presidential aide Laolu Akande faces defamation lawsuit

A United States-based political advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has announced that former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has been served with a federal court summons and complaint over alleged defamation.

The firm disclosed this in a statement on Monday, identifying Akande, also known as Pastor Olaolu Akande, as the operator of Empowered Newswire.

It said its process server had successfully served Akande, adding that he and Ademola Bello now have an opportunity to retain legal counsel and defend themselves against the allegations in federal court.

“We have been informed that @akandeoj (also known as Pastor Olaolu Akande), who does business as Empowered Newswire, has finally been served with a federal court summons and complaint by our process server.

“The clock is now ticking for Mr Ademola Bello and Pastor Akande to respond to the allegations of defamation against them in federal court. Both defendants now have an opportunity to retain legal counsel and defend their statements,” it added.

The firm warned that failure by either defendant to respond within the time prescribed by federal law could lead to an application for entry of default and, where appropriate, a default judgement.

“Should either defendant fail to respond within the time prescribed by federal law, we intend to seek entry of default and, where appropriate, a default judgement against them,” the statement read.

It further threatened to pursue enforcement measures, including asset seizure and wage garnishment, if a monetary judgement is entered.

“If a monetary judgement is entered, we intend to pursue all lawful enforcement remedies, including asset seizure, wage garnishment, and other appropriate collection measures, to ensure that Dr. Von Batten is made whole,” the firm stated.