ICPC Questions Femi Gbajabiamila Over PFIPC Allegations as Tinubu Orders Full Investigation

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has questioned Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Gbajabiamila appeared before investigators at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja on Monday after receiving an invitation from the anti-corruption agency. His appearance follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the PFIPC and allegations involving senior government officials.

The probe stems from claims made by Adeniyi Adeyemi, who describes himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC. Adeyemi alleged that he paid ₦400 million to Gbajabiamila in exchange for securing his appointment as the head of the agency. He also claimed that the Chief of Staff demanded 48 percent of the agency’s proposed ₦27.3 billion take-off grant.

In addition, Adeyemi alleged that his interactions with Gbajabiamila were facilitated by the late Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as an intermediary. He further called on investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death as part of the broader investigation.

Gbajabiamila has firmly denied all the allegations, describing them as false, baseless and defamatory. In response to the claims, he filed a ₦15 billion defamation lawsuit against Adeyemi, insisting that the accusations were fabricated and intended to damage his reputation.

Following the controversy, President Tinubu directed the ICPC to conduct a full investigation into the matter and submit its findings within 30 days. Confirming his client’s appearance before the commission, Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, said the Chief of Staff fully cooperated with investigators throughout the process.

According to Ogunye, Gbajabiamila arrived at the ICPC headquarters at about 3:00 p.m. on Monday in compliance with the invitation issued by the commission. He explained that the Chief of Staff provided a detailed account of his knowledge of the issues under investigation, answered all questions posed by investigators and returned to his official duties after the session.

The lawyer emphasized that his client was cooperating fully with the investigation, which was initiated on the directive of the President. The PFIPC controversy has attracted significant public attention after allegations emerged that the organisation operated without formal government recognition while allegedly presenting itself as a presidential initiative involved in promoting foreign investment.

Authorities are expected to determine whether the agency was legally established and whether any financial or administrative misconduct occurred in connection with its activities.

As of the time of reporting, the ICPC has not released an official statement on the outcome of Gbajabiamila’s interrogation or disclosed whether additional individuals connected to the allegations will be invited for questioning.

The investigation remains ongoing, with the commission expected to examine the authenticity of Adeyemi’s claims, review available evidence and determine whether any criminal offences were committed.

The outcome of the probe is likely to be closely watched, as it could have significant legal and political implications while reinforcing ongoing efforts to promote transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s public institutions.