The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has questioned Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, as part of its investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Jiti Ogunye, legal counsel to the president’s chief of staff, confirmed that Gbajabiamila honoured the commission’s invitation on Monday and was interrogated at the ICPC headquarters over issues linked to the alleged agency.
According to Ogunye, the presidential aide fully cooperated with investigators, answered questions put before him and returned to his official duties after the session.
“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 at about 15:00hrs on Monday, July 20, 2026, as part of the ongoing investigation into the activities of the ‘PFIPC’ fake agency, among others,” Ogunye said.
“My client gave his testimony, responded to questions accordingly, and has returned to his duty post.”
President Tinubu had, on July 2, directed the ICPC to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the PFIPC controversy.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu instructed the anti-graft agency to conclude its investigation and submit a detailed report within 30 days.
PFIPC controversy
The PFIPC came under scrutiny in June after the presidency publicly stated that no such agency exists under the Tinubu administration.
The controversy deepened when Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly operated the organisation, claimed he was appointed by Gbajabiamila. The Chief of Staff denied the allegation, insisting neither he nor his office issued any appointment letter to Adeyemi.
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At a press briefing on June 26, Adeyemi disputed Gbajabiamila’s earlier statement denying the existence of the council. He further alleged that the presidential aide received N400 million through a proxy and demanded an additional N200 million before approving his appointment.
Following the allegations, the Nigeria Police filed criminal charges against Adeyemi over alleged forgery and impersonation linked to the PFIPC.
He was arrested in Osun State on July 14 after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest over his failure to appear before the court.
Investigations revealed that despite lacking legal backing or an official presidential proclamation, the PFIPC allegedly operated like a government agency, securing an allocation in the 2026 budget, occupying office space at the Federal Secretariat and recruiting personnel.