Fake Agency Probe: Gbajabiamila Appears Before ICPC

Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Monday appeared before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged activities of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), an agency the Federal Government has described as fictitious.

Gbajabiamila honoured the commission’s invitation and met behind closed doors with the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), and members of the investigative team at the commission’s headquarters.

The appearance forms part of an investigation ordered by President Tinubu following allegations that a non-existent government agency operated with forged official documents and purported presidential appointments.

A statement issued by the ICPC’s Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, Demola Bakare, said the Chief of Staff fully cooperated with investigators and responded to issues raised during the session.

According to the commission, the invitation was in line with its statutory mandate to investigate allegations of corruption and related offences without fear or favour.

The ICPC added that the investigation remains ongoing and assured Nigerians that all individuals connected with the matter would be given a fair hearing in accordance with the law.

The controversy centres on the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), allegedly headed by Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to have been appointed by the Presidency.

However, the Federal Government has maintained that no such agency exists, describing the appointment letter and other official documents allegedly used to establish the body as forged.

Last week, President Tinubu directed the ICPC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the alleged fake agency and submit its findings within 30 days.

The President also instructed the commission to investigate the alleged forgery of official documents, the opening of bank accounts in the names of government agencies, and the roles played by any public officials or private individuals who may have facilitated the scheme.

The alleged fake agency has generated widespread public concern following claims that it operated from government premises, appeared in official records and sought recognition as a federal institution despite lacking any legal basis.

The ICPC reiterated its commitment to a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation, assuring that anyone found culpable would be held accountable in accordance with the law.