The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has honoured an invitation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), appearing before investigators as part of the ongoing probe into the activities of the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
His appearance before the anti-corruption agency was confirmed on Monday by his lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, who said the presidential aide voluntarily cooperated with investigators in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a thorough investigation into the controversial organisation.
According to Ogunye, Gbajabiamila arrived at the ICPC headquarters at about 3:00 p.m., gave his account of events, responded to investigators’ questions and subsequently returned to the Presidential Villa to continue his official duties.
“In full cooperation with the ICPC, acting as directed by the President of Nigeria, I hereby confirm that my client, Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria, responded to the invitation of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and appeared at about 15:00hrs on Monday, July 20, 2026, as part of the ongoing investigation into the activities of the ‘PFIPC’ fake agency, among others.
“My client gave his testimony, responded to questions accordingly, and has returned to his duty post.”
Gbajabiamila’s appearance is part of the investigation ordered by President Tinubu on July 7, 2026, following allegations surrounding the establishment and operations of the purported government agency.
The President had directed the ICPC to conclude its investigation within 30 days and submit a comprehensive report on its findings.
The matter has since evolved into one of the most high-profile controversies facing the Tinubu administration, with the investigation drawing the attention of the Presidency, the National Assembly and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The central figure in the case, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, is currently facing prosecution before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
He is standing trial on an eight-count charge bordering on forgery and impersonation.
The controversy first deepened on June 11 when the Office of the Chief of Staff publicly distanced itself from Adeyemi, alleging that he forged a presidential appointment letter bearing a falsified signature of Gbajabiamila.
According to the Presidency, the forged document was allegedly used to obtain office accommodation at the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, from where Adeyemi reportedly operated the fictitious agency.
Investigators have alleged that while presenting himself as head of the council, Adeyemi held meetings with foreign diplomats, corresponded with federal ministries and security agencies, opened 34 bank accounts—including one with the Central Bank of Nigeria—and allegedly secured an allocation of at least N1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
Adeyemi is expected to return to the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 27, 2026, alongside two other suspects identified simply as Femi and Anu, who are currently said to be at large.
(Ripples)
