ICPC Quizzes Gbajabiamila Over Alleged Fake Presidential Agency Scandal

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has questioned the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, over the ongoing investigation into the alleged activities of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), an agency the Presidency says was never legally established.

Gbajabiamila was invited by the anti-corruption commission to provide information regarding the circumstances surrounding the purported agency and allegations linked to its operations.

His lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, confirmed that the Chief of Staff honoured the invitation, cooperated with investigators, responded to all questions, and was allowed to leave after the session.

The investigation follows allegations by Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be the Director-General of the PFIPC. Adeyemi reportedly alleged that he paid N400 million to facilitate the issuance of an appointment letter for the agency.

Gbajabiamila has denied the allegation, insisting he neither received money nor played any role in the establishment or operation of the purported agency. He has maintained that he alerted security agencies after discovering the activities of the group.

The ICPC is also investigating how the alleged agency reportedly operated within government structures, including claims that it secured office space in the Federal Secretariat, maintained accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, received budgetary allocations, and recruited staff despite lacking legal recognition.

The probe forms part of efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged fake agency and determine whether any public officials or private individuals were involved in its operations.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed the ICPC to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.