Fake agency: ICPC grills Femi Gbajabiamila

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Monday, July 21, went before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)  to answer questions over his alleged investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The anti-graft agency is investigating the circumstances surrounding the operation of the purported council by Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who allegedly presented himself as its Director-General. Adeniyi had initially alleged that the fake agency was orchestrated by Gbajabiamila. He later retracted his claim and then alleged that it was his now deceased ally that related with Gbajabiamila when the fake agency was being set up.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, on July 7, directed the ICPC to investigate the fake agency and submit its report within 30 days.

Gbajabiamila’s counsel, Jiti Ogunye, confirmed his client’s appearance before the commission in a statement yesterday.

“In full cooperation with the ICPC, acting on the directive of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I hereby confirm that my client, Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, responded to the invitation of the ICPC.

He appeared at about 3p.m on Monday as part of the ongoing investigation into the activities of the fake PFIPC, among other issues.

My client gave his testimony, responded to questions accordingly and has since returned to his duty post.”

Adeyemi Matthew, the self-acclaimed Director-General of the PFIPC, was arrested last week after a court issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

He is believed to be in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations.