The Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, appeared before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday and was quizzed for hours over 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.
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.
He said: “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.”
ICPC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr John Odey, also confirmed Gbajabiamila’s appearance at the Commission’s Abuja headquarters.
Odey said: “The Chief of Staff was invited, he made his statement accordingly and has returned to his office.”
On July 7, President Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the operations of the PFIPC following the discovery of forged appointment letters, counterfeit State House documents and allegations that the fictitious body operated as though it were a legitimate Federal Government institution.
The President mandated the commission to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud, identify all individuals and institutions involved, and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
The investigation centres on allegations that Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the non-existent council by using forged presidential appointment documents, including a forged signature of the Chief of Staff and counterfeit State House letterheads.
According to the presidency, the suspect allegedly used the forged documents to seek official recognition, obtain diplomatic support, facilitate visa applications and open multiple bank accounts in the name of the purported government agency.
President Tinubu also directed investigators to examine the origin and use of the forged documents, the movement of funds linked to the alleged scheme, the opening and operation of related bank accounts, and the roles played by any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions or intermediaries who may have aided the operation.
