ICPC Grills Gbajabiamila Over PFIPC Scandal as Probe Deepens.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline Northern Bureau Chief
July 21, 2026.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday questioned the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as part of its ongoing investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), a body alleged to have operated without lawful establishment.
Gbajabiamila appeared before investigators at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja following an invitation by the anti-corruption agency. His appearance marks a significant development in the widening probe ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into the circumstances surrounding the emergence and activities of the purported agency.
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Confirming the development, Gbajabiamila’s legal counsel, Jiti Ogunye, disclosed in a statement that his client fully cooperated with investigators and honoured the invitation in compliance with the President’s directive for a transparent investigation.
According to Ogunye, the Chief of Staff arrived at the ICPC headquarters at about 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, where he provided a detailed statement and answered questions from investigators before returning to his official duties.
“In full cooperation with the ICPC acting as directed by the President of Nigeria, I hereby confirm that my client, Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria, responded to the invitation of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and appeared at about 15:00hrs on Monday, July 20, 2026, as part of the ongoing investigation into the activities of the ‘PFIPC’ fake agency, among others,” Ogunye stated.
He further explained that Gbajabiamila “gave his testimony, responded to questions accordingly, and has returned to his duty post.”
The investigation follows President Tinubu’s directive issued on July 2, 2026, ordering the ICPC to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the controversial PFIPC following allegations that the body was established and operated outside the legal framework of government.
The Presidency had described the PFIPC as a “fake agency” and vowed that everyone connected with its creation and operations would be thoroughly investigated in line with the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had earlier announced that President Tinubu instructed the ICPC to conclude its investigation within 30 days and submit a comprehensive report for appropriate action.
Political analysts say the decision to invite and question the President’s Chief of Staff demonstrates the administration’s stated resolve to allow anti-corruption institutions to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without interference, regardless of the status of those involved.
The ICPC has not yet released details of its findings, and no charges have been filed against Gbajabiamila or any other individual in connection with the investigation. The commission is expected to continue interrogating other persons of interest as it works towards completing its report within the presidential deadline.
The PFIPC controversy has generated widespread public attention, with civil society groups and governance experts calling for a transparent investigation and appropriate sanctions against anyone found culpable.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to shape public confidence in the government’s anti-corruption drive and reinforce institutional accountability within public service.
Source: The Cable.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 21ST 2026)
