The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Monday appeared before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as part of the ongoing investigation into the activities of the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, confirmed that the presidential aide voluntarily honoured the invitation in compliance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a thorough investigation into the controversial organisation.
According to Ogunye, the Chief of Staff arrived at the ICPC headquarters at about 3:00 p.m., gave his statement, answered questions from investigators, and later returned to the Presidential Villa to resume 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 of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission 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.
“My client gave his testimony, responded to questions accordingly, and has returned to his duty post,” Ogunye said.
President Tinubu had on July 7 ordered the ICPC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operations of the purported government agency and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.
The investigation has since become one of the most high-profile cases involving the Tinubu administration, attracting the attention of the Presidency, the National Assembly and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
At the centre of the controversy is Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew, who allegedly posed as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council. He is currently standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja on an eight-count charge bordering on forgery and impersonation.
The Presidency had on June 11 publicly disowned Adeyemi after alleging that he forged a presidential appointment letter bearing a falsified signature of Gbajabiamila.
According to the Presidency, the forged appointment letter was allegedly used to secure office accommodation at the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, from where Adeyemi reportedly operated the fictitious agency.
Investigators further alleged that while presenting himself as head of the council, Adeyemi held meetings with foreign diplomats, corresponded with federal ministries and security agencies, opened 34 bank accounts, including one with the Central Bank of Nigeria, and allegedly secured an allocation of at least ₦1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
Adeyemi is expected to return to the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 27, alongside two other suspects identified simply as Femi and Anu, who are currently at large.
