The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday questioned the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations tied to the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
This follows a directive from 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 of the disputed body and the allegations levelled against senior government officials.
The ongoing investigates claims made by the self-acclaimed Director-General of the PFIPC, Adeniyi Adeyemi, who has accused the Chief of Staff of demanding financial benefits in exchange for facilitating his appointment.
Adeyemi alleges that he paid N400 million to Gbajabiamila to secure the role, and further claims that the Chief of Staff demanded 48 per cent of the agency's proposed N27.3 billion take-off grant.
He has also alleged that his dealings with Gbajabiamila were brokered by the late Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as an intermediary.
Adeyemi urged investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding Tanimola's death as part of the inquiry.
Gbajabiamila has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as false and defamatory, and has since filed a N15 billion defamation suit against Adeyemi.
Amid the claims and counter-claims, Tinubu directed the ICPC to carry out a comprehensive investigation and submit its findings within 30 days.
READ ALSO: Gbajabiamila Files N15bn Defamation Suit Against Adeyemi
Confirming his client's appearance before investigators, Gbajabiamila's lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, said the Chief of Staff had 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 gave a detailed account of his knowledge of the matter, answered all questions put to him by investigators, and returned to his official duties following the session.
"My client gave his testimony, responded to questions accordingly, and has returned to his duty post," the statement added.
Recall that the PFIPC organisation was accused of operating without proper government recognition and carrying out activities under the guise of a presidential initiative.
Meanwhile, the ICPC is yet to issue an official statement on the outcome of Monday's questioning, or indicate whether further individuals linked to the allegations will be invited for questioning.
The investigation is expected to determine the authenticity of Adeyemi's claims and establish whether any criminal conduct occurred in relation to the disputed agency and its alleged financial dealings.
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