PFIPC scandal: Gbajabiamila appears before ICPC over alleged fake presidential agency

Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Monday honoured an invitation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over the ongoing investigation into the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Gbajabiamila’s appearance followed President Tinubu’s directive to the anti-graft agency to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the controversial body, which the Presidency has maintained was never established by the Federal Government.

Confirming the development, Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, said the Chief of Staff appeared before the commission at about 3:00 p.m. and fully cooperated with investigators.

«”In full cooperation with the ICPC and acting as directed by the President of Nigeria, my client, Femi Gbajabiamila, responded to the invitation of the commission, gave his testimony, answered questions accordingly, and has since returned to his duty post,” Ogunye said.»

President Tinubu had earlier directed the ICPC to conclude its investigation and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.

The Presidency said the investigation followed the discovery that the PFIPC had no legal backing, presidential approval, executive instrument or any lawful basis for its existence.

The ICPC is investigating allegations that Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew, who claimed to be Director-General of the council, used forged presidential appointment letters and other fake government documents to seek official recognition, obtain diplomatic support, facilitate visa applications and open multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies.

The commission is also expected to investigate how the alleged fake agency operated from the Federal Secretariat Complex, reportedly appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act with an allocation of ₦1.3 billion, and engaged diplomatic missions despite lacking legal recognition.

President Tinubu further directed investigators to identify weaknesses in government procedures that enabled the alleged fraud and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.

The Presidency has repeatedly denied any connection between Gbajabiamila and the alleged scheme, insisting that forensic analysis conducted by the police confirmed that the signature on the disputed appointment letter was forged.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said police investigations established that all documents presented by the suspect were fake and that the matter has already been filed before the Federal High Court.

The ICPC investigation remains ongoing.