The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has questioned Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, confirmed that Gbajabiamila appeared before the commission’s investigators on Monday in Abuja after being invited over claims linked to the establishment and activities of the agency.
Odey said the presidential aide cooperated fully with the investigation, provided a statement and left afterwards.
“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 said.
The controversy surrounding PFIPC emerged after its self-proclaimed Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, made allegations against Gbajabiamila, including claims involving the agency’s proposed N27.3 billion take-off grant and payments allegedly made to secure his appointment.
Gbajabiamila has denied all allegations, including claims of bribery, abuse of office, interference with security agencies, and involvement in an alleged assassination attempt linked to Adeyemi.
He also denied knowing Adeyemi and rejected allegations concerning the death of Babatunde Tanimola, who was described as an intermediary in the matter.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed ICPC to investigate the controversy and submit its findings within 30 days.
Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, confirmed that his client appeared before the anti-corruption agency in compliance with the presidential directive.
According to Ogunye, the Chief of Staff answered questions from investigators and returned to his official duties afterwards.
“My client gave his testimony, responded to questions accordingly, and has returned to his duty post,” he said.
