Gbajabiamila honoured invitation, was not arrested over PFIPC investigation- ICPC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has clarified that Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, was not arrested in connection with its ongoing investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commission’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, said Gbajabiamila voluntarily responded to an invitation from investigators and left the commission’s headquarters after answering questions.

According to the ICPC, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives arrived at its office in the afternoon, spent some time assisting investigators with inquiries related to the PFIPC investigation, and departed afterward.

The anti-graft agency stressed that his appearance was part of its fact-finding process and should not be interpreted as an arrest.

“The Chief of Staff honoured the invitation of the Commission’s investigators as part of efforts to establish all relevant facts. He was not arrested,” the statement said, adding that investigations into the matter are still ongoing.

The clarification followed reports that surfaced after Gbajabiamila appeared before the commission. On Monday, his lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, confirmed that his client had visited the ICPC headquarters and was questioned over issues linked to the PFIPC controversy.

President Bola Tinubu had on July 2 directed the ICPC to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the PFIPC following growing concerns over its operations. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the president instructed the commission to conclude its probe and submit a detailed report within 30 days.

The PFIPC came under scrutiny after it emerged that it had been operating like a federal government agency despite lacking any legal backing or formal presidential approval. The body reportedly had an allocation in the 2026 budget, occupied office space at the Federal Secretariat, and recruited staff.

The controversy intensified on June 11 when Gbajabiamila publicly stated that the PFIPC was not recognised by the Tinubu administration. He also denied appointing Adeniyi Adeyemi, who had presented himself as the agency’s director-general.

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

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

On July 14, police officers arrested Adeyemi in Osun State after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest when he failed to appear before the court as directed.