The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that it questioned the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, as part of its ongoing investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
ICPC spokesperson John Odey disclosed on Monday in Abuja that Gbajabiamila honoured the commission’s invitation and provided a statement to investigators before leaving the commission’s office.
According to Odey, the Chief of Staff was neither arrested nor detained during the visit.
“He was indeed at our office this afternoon. He was invited and he came, he volunteered a statement and left. We did not detain him; he was not arrested. He came on his own willingly, gave his statement and left. He was cooperating with the investigations,” Odey said.
The ICPC is investigating issues surrounding the establishment and activities of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, which has been at the centre of public controversy following allegations made by its self-described Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi.
Adeyemi had claimed that Gbajabiamila demanded 48 per cent of the agency’s proposed ₦27.3 billion budget for 2026. He also alleged that he paid ₦400 million through an intermediary to secure his appointment as Director-General of the PFIPC and was later asked to provide an additional ₦200 million to facilitate presidential approvals.
Gbajabiamila has denied the allegations.
In a sworn statement, the Chief of Staff said he does not know Adeyemi and rejected claims that he received any bribe, abused his office or interfered with any security agency in connection with the matter.
He also dismissed allegations linking him to an alleged assassination attempt on Adeyemi and denied any involvement in the reported death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom Adeyemi claimed served as an intermediary.
Following the allegations, President Bola Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate the matter and submit its findings within 30 days.
Earlier on Monday, Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, confirmed that his client appeared before the anti-corruption agency in compliance with the President’s directive.
Ogunye said the Chief of Staff arrived at the ICPC headquarters at about 3:00 p.m., answered questions from investigators and subsequently returned to his official duties.
“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 by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC),” Ogunye said.
He added that Gbajabiamila gave his testimony, responded to investigators’ questions and left the commission after the interview concluded.
The ICPC has continued its investigation into the PFIPC controversy following the President’s directive, while the allegations and counterclaims remain under review.
