The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has interrogated Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, over his alleged connection to the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Gbajabiamila appeared before investigators at the ICPC headquarters on Monday as part of the commission's ongoing probe into the activities of the PFIPC, an organisation the presidency has described as a fake government agency.
His lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, confirmed that the Chief of Staff honoured the commission's invitation and cooperated fully with the investigation. According to him, Gbajabiamila arrived at the ICPC headquarters at about 3 p.m., gave his testimony, responded to questions from investigators and subsequently returned to his official duties.
Ogunye said Gbajabiamila's appearance before the anti-corruption agency was in line with President Bola Tinubu's directive for a thorough investigation into the PFIPC controversy.
On July 2, President Tinubu ordered the ICPC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the organisation and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced the directive, saying the president was committed to uncovering the facts behind the matter.
The PFIPC controversy emerged in June after the presidency publicly distanced itself from the organisation, stating that it does not exist under the Tinubu administration.
Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be associated with the council, alleged that Gbajabiamila issued his appointment letter. The Chief of Staff denied the allegation and maintained that neither his office nor the presidency appointed Adeyemi to any position.
The controversy escalated after Adeyemi accused Gbajabiamila of receiving N400 million through a proxy and demanding an additional N200 million in connection with his purported appointment. Gbajabiamila has denied the allegations.
The Nigeria Police subsequently filed criminal charges against Adeyemi, including allegations of forgery and impersonation linked to the operations of the PFIPC. On July 14, he was arrested in Osun State after a bench warrant was issued against him by the Federal High Court in Abuja for failing to honour the court's summons.
Despite having no known legal framework or presidential approval, the PFIPC reportedly operated in a manner similar to a government agency. It was alleged to have secured an allocation in the 2026 federal budget, occupied office space within the Federal Secretariat and recruited staff members.
The ICPC's investigation is expected to determine how the organisation operated and whether any public officials played a role in its activities.
