Gbajabiamila denies bribery allegations and has filed a N15 billion defamation suit against his accuser, as the ICPC investigation continues
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has questioned Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, over his alleged role in the emergence of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
The matter remains under active investigation and is sub judice.
According to Jiti Ogunye, Gbajabiamila’s counsel, the Chief of Staff appeared at the ICPC headquarters at about 3pm on Monday.
“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 (ICPC) and appeared… 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,” Ogunye said in a statement.
What Adeyemi alleges against Gbajabiamila
The controversy centres on Adeniyi Adeyemi, who describes himself as Director-General of the disputed PFIPC and claims he was appointed by Gbajabiamila, a claim the Chief of Staff has firmly denied.
Gbajabiamila has maintained that his office neither created nor authorised the agency and did not issue any appointment to Adeyemi. At a press conference on 26 June, Adeyemi went further, alleging that Gbajabiamila demanded 48 per cent of the agency’s alleged N27.3 billion take-off grant, received N400 million through a proxy, and later requested an additional N200 million to facilitate presidential approvals.
Adeyemi also alleged he never met the Chief of Staff personally during the transaction, and claimed dealings were conducted through an intermediary, Babatunde Tanimola, who has since died.
Gbajabiamila’s denial and defamation suit
Gbajabiamila has consistently denied the allegations. In a statement on oath, he maintained he had no personal, official or professional relationship with Adeyemi, and denied demanding or receiving money, abusing his office, or interfering with any law enforcement agency.
He also denied any link to Tanimola’s death, an alleged assassination attempt, and claims of interfering with the ongoing investigation.
Last week, Gbajabiamila instituted a N15 billion defamation suit against Adeyemi before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The presidency has denied any connection between Gbajabiamila and the scheme, saying forensic analysis by the police confirmed the signature on Adeyemi’s alleged appointment letter was forged.
On 2 July, President Tinubu directed the ICPC to conduct a “thorough investigation” into the PFIPC scandal, with presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga saying Tinubu asked the commission to submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.
Adeyemi’s arrest and pending charges
Police have filed criminal charges against Adeyemi over alleged forgery and impersonation linked to the PFIPC’s operations.
He was arrested in Osun State on 14 July after the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant against him for failing to honour a court summons, and has since been arraigned and remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, who is representing Adeyemi, has questioned how the agency secured a line in the national budget even if the appointment letter was forged, a question that remains unresolved as the ICPC’s investigation continues.
