BREAKING: ICPC Finally Speaks on Gbajabiamila’s Alleged Arrest, Reveals What Really Happened During PFIPC Probe
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed reports alleging that the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, was arrested over the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commission’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, the anti-graft agency clarified that Gbajabiamila voluntarily honoured an invitation from investigators as part of its ongoing probe into the PFIPC controversy and was not arrested.
According to the ICPC, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives arrived at the Commission’s headquarters, responded to investigators’ enquiries, and departed immediately after the session.
“The Commission confirms that the Chief of Staff’s visit was on the invitation of its investigators and consistent with its ongoing efforts to gather all relevant facts in the matter. He was not arrested; he simply willingly honoured an invitation,” the statement read.
The Commission added that investigations into the PFIPC matter are still ongoing and assured the public that further updates would be provided when necessary.
The clarification comes a day after Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, disclosed that his client appeared before the ICPC to answer questions relating to the PFIPC controversy.
The investigation was ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on July 2, directing the ICPC to conduct a thorough probe into the controversial agency. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had also announced that the Commission was expected to submit a comprehensive report to the President within 30 days.
The PFIPC controversy erupted after the agency reportedly operated without any legal backing or presidential approval, despite having an office at the Federal Secretariat, recruiting staff, and receiving an allocation in the 2026 budget.
The matter took another twist when Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, alleged that Gbajabiamila received ₦400 million through a proxy and demanded an additional ₦200 million to facilitate his appointment.
Gbajabiamila had earlier denied any involvement, insisting that neither his office nor the Tinubu administration established or recognized the PFIPC.
Following the allegations, the Nigeria Police charged Adeyemi with forgery and impersonation. He was subsequently arrested in Osun State on July 14, after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest over his failure to honour court summons.
As investigations continue, the ICPC has urged the public to disregard misinformation and await the outcome of its findings.
