The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday questioned the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linked to the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), following a directive by President Bola Tinubu for a full-scale investigation into the matter.

 

 

Gbajabiamila appeared before investigators at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja in compliance with an invitation issued by the anti-corruption agency as part of its probe into the activities surrounding the controversial agency and allegations made against senior government officials.

 

 

The development marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into claims by the self-acclaimed Director-General of the PFIPC, Adeniyi Adeyemi, who accused the Chief of Staff of demanding financial benefits in exchange for facilitating his appointment.

 

 

Adeyemi had alleged that he paid N400 million to Gbajabiamila to secure his appointment as Director-General of the agency.

 

He further claimed that the Chief of Staff demanded 48 per cent of the agency’s proposed N27.3 billion take-off grant.

 

 

The controversial figure also alleged that his dealings with Gbajabiamila were facilitated by the late Babatunde Tanimola, whom he claimed acted as an intermediary. Adeyemi had urged investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death as part of the investigation.

 

 

Gbajabiamila has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as false and defamatory. He subsequently instituted a N15 billion defamation suit against Adeyemi.

 

 

Amid the allegations and counter-allegations, President Tinubu directed the ICPC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter and submit its findings within 30 days.

 

Confirming his client’s appearance before investigators, Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, said the Chief of Staff fully cooperated with the commission.

 

 

“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 and appeared at about 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, as part of the ongoing investigation into the activities of the PFIPC fake agency, among others,” Ogunye said in a statement.

 

 

According to him, Gbajabiamila provided a detailed account of his knowledge of the issues, answered all questions put to him by investigators, and returned to his official duties after the session.

 

“My client gave his testimony, responded to questions accordingly, and has returned to his duty post,” the statement added.

 

 

The PFIPC controversy has attracted widespread public attention following claims that the organisation operated without proper government recognition while allegedly engaging in activities under the guise of a presidential initiative.

 

 

The ICPC has yet to issue an official statement on the outcome of Monday’s interrogation or indicate whether additional persons connected to the allegations will be invited for questioning.

 

 

The investigation is expected to determine the authenticity of the claims made by Adeyemi and establish whether any criminal conduct occurred in relation to the disputed agency and its alleged financial dealings.