ICPC Denies Arrest of Gbajabiamila Over PFIPC Probe

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed reports that the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, was arrested over the ongoing investigation into the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commission’s spokesperson, Okor Odey, clarified that Gbajabiamila voluntarily honoured an invitation from investigators as part of the probe and was not placed under arrest.

According to the ICPC, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives arrived at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, responded to investigators’ questions, and departed immediately after the session.

“The Chief of Staff visited the Commission at the invitation of investigators in connection with ongoing efforts to establish all relevant facts surrounding the matter. He was not arrested but willingly honoured the invitation,” the statement said.

The commission added that investigations into the PFIPC controversy are ongoing and assured the public that further updates would be provided when necessary.

Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, had earlier confirmed on Monday that his client appeared before the ICPC to answer questions regarding the PFIPC investigation.

President Bola Tinubu had, on July 2, directed the ICPC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the controversial council following public concerns over its operations.

The President, through his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, instructed the anti-corruption agency to conclude its investigation and submit a detailed report within 30 days.

The PFIPC came under scrutiny after it reportedly operated like a government agency without a legal framework or presidential approval. The council allegedly had an office at the Federal Secretariat, recruited staff, and received budgetary allocation in the 2026 national budget.

The controversy intensified on June 11 when Gbajabiamila publicly stated that the PFIPC was not recognised by the Tinubu administration and denied appointing Adeniyi Adeyemi as its director-general.

However, Adeyemi rejected the presidency’s position during a press conference on June 26, alleging that Gbajabiamila received N400 million through a proxy and demanded an additional N200 million to facilitate his appointment.

Following the allegations, the Nigeria Police filed criminal charges against Adeyemi over alleged forgery and impersonation.

On July 14, Adeyemi was arrested in Osun State after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest over his failure to appear before the court.