ICPC Questions Gbajabiamila Over Alleged Role in PFIPC Investigation

Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has honoured an invitation from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as investigators continue probing the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Gbajabiamila appeared before the anti-graft agency in Abuja on Monday to answer questions relating to the alleged fake government agency, which has been at the centre of a growing national controversy.

According to a statement issued by his lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, the Chief of Staff fully cooperated with investigators and responded to all questions put before him.

"My client gave his testimony, responded to questions accordingly, and has returned to his duty post," the statement said.

The PFIPC Controversy

The investigation stems from allegations surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), an organisation that the Presidency has described as fictitious and without any legal basis.

According to the Presidency, the PFIPC was never created through any law, executive order or presidential approval. Despite this, the body allegedly operated using forged government documents, claimed official recognition and presented itself as a legitimate federal agency.

President Bola Tinubu subsequently directed the ICPC to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the matter and submit a report within 30 days. The probe covers the alleged use of forged appointment letters, fake government documents, bank accounts opened in the names of government agencies and any individuals who may have facilitated the scheme.

Why Gbajabiamila Was Invited

Although the Presidency has consistently denied that Gbajabiamila had any involvement in the creation or operation of the PFIPC, his name surfaced during the controversy because forged documents allegedly carried his signature.

The Presidency has maintained that forensic analysis conducted by investigators found the signature attributed to the Chief of Staff on the disputed documents to be fake.

Officials say inviting the Chief of Staff to provide information forms part of the broader effort to establish how the alleged fake agency appeared to gain credibility and whether any public officials knowingly or unknowingly facilitated its activities.

Wider Investigation Continues

The ICPC investigation extends beyond the alleged operators of the PFIPC.

President Tinubu has instructed investigators to determine:

• How the alleged fake agency operated.

• Who created or used forged government documents.

• Whether public officials or private individuals assisted the scheme.

• How bank accounts linked to the alleged agency were opened.

• How the organisation appeared in official government processes despite lacking legal status.

The House of Representatives has also begun examining the legal status of the PFIPC and how references to it reportedly appeared in government records and budget-related documents.

Presidency Reaffirms Commitment to Accountability

The Presidency says the investigation is aimed at protecting the integrity of government institutions and ensuring that anyone found responsible is held accountable under the law.

Officials insist that no one involved in the investigation has been declared guilty and that the process is intended to establish the full facts surrounding the controversy.

As the investigation continues, Nigerians are expected to closely follow the outcome, particularly given the high-profile officials and institutions mentioned in the unfolding case.