ICPC Questions Gbajabiamila in PFIPC Probe, Says Chief of Staff Honoured Invitation, Was Not Arrested

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, appeared before its investigators as part of an ongoing probe into the alleged fraudulent operations of the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). The anti-corruption agency clarified that the presidential aide was invited to assist investigators and was neither arrested nor detained.

Key Takeaways

ICPC confirmed that Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila honoured an invitation from investigators.

The visit relates to an investigation into the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

President Bola Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate how the purported council operated from the Federal Secretariat for about two years.

The Presidency has disowned the PFIPC, describing it as a fraudulent entity.

ICPC stressed that investigations remain ongoing and additional updates will be provided when appropriate.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited its headquarters in Abuja on 20 July 2026 to provide a statement in connection with an ongoing investigation into the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). According to the Commission, the investigation followed a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after the Presidency disowned the PFIPC, describing it as a fraudulent organisation.

Investigators are examining how the alleged entity reportedly operated from the Federal Secretariat in Abuja for about two years under the leadership of Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the council. The Commission stated that Mr Gbajabiamila responded voluntarily to an invitation from investigators, answered questions relating to the inquiry, and departed after the session.

ICPC also dismissed suggestions that the Chief of Staff was arrested, stressing that his appearance formed part of routine investigative procedures aimed at establishing all relevant facts.

Key Quotes

According to the ICPC, President Bola Tinubu directed the Commission to investigate how the purported PFIPC operated despite the Presidency having disowned it as a fraudulent entity.

According to the ICPC, Femi Gbajabiamila honoured an invitation from investigators voluntarily and "was not arrested."

According to the Commission, investigations into the matter remain ongoing, with further updates to be communicated when appropriate.

The investigation underscores ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of government institutions and determine how an organisation allegedly presenting itself as a presidential council reportedly operated within a federal government facility.

The ICPC's clarification seeks to distinguish between an invitation to assist an investigation and an arrest. The outcome of the investigation could influence accountability measures and administrative oversight within federal institutions.

The alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) reportedly operated from the Federal Secretariat in Abuja for about two years before the Presidency publicly disowned the organisation, describing it as a fraudulent entity. The development prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate how the purported council was able to operate within a federal government facility and the circumstances surrounding its activities. According to the State House of Nigeria, Federal High Court documents, and findings by the ICPC and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly established the fictitious agency and secured a proposed ₦1.3 billion budget using a forged signature purportedly belonging to the Chief of Staff to the President. Authorities said the Presidency disowned the agency, the funds were frozen before any disbursement, and the suspect was subsequently arrested and is facing allegations relating to forgery and fraud.

Source: Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), official statement on the investigation into the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), 20 July 2026.

ℙℝ𝕆𝔾ℝ𝔼𝕊𝕊𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎𝕊 𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊

The ICPC's clarification that the Chief of Staff honoured an invitation, not an arrest. This is a significant distinction in maintaining factual accuracy during high-profile investigations. As the inquiry progresses, the central issue remains how an entity reportedly lacking official presidential recognition was able to function from a federal government facility for an extended period. Progressviews will continue to monitor verified developments and report them with accuracy and context.