ICPC Interrogates Alleged PFIPC Founder in Police Custody as Fake Agency Probe Deepens

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday questioned Adeniyi Adeyemi, the alleged promoter of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), as investigations into the activities of the purported government agency gathered momentum.

Adeyemi, who is being held at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja, was interrogated by ICPC investigators inside police detention over allegations surrounding the establishment and operations of the disputed organisation.

The PFIPC has come under scrutiny following claims that Adeyemi presented himself as the Director-General of a presidential council that the Federal Government has repeatedly said was never created or recognised. Investigators are also examining allegations involving forged government documents, the operation of bank accounts in the agency’s name and its reported inclusion in the 2026 federal budget.

The interrogation was initially scheduled to begin around 10 a.m. but was postponed after Adeyemi’s legal counsel failed to appear, prompting investigators to suspend the session in compliance with legal provisions guaranteeing a suspect’s right to representation.

A senior police official familiar with the investigation said the exercise was later rescheduled for the afternoon.

“The ICPC earlier today (Wednesday) was at the Cybercrime Centre in an attempt to interview Adeyemi around 10am, but the interview could not hold after the set-up had been done because his lawyer was absent. That was why the interview was later fixed for 3pm,” the source said.

Following the arrival of Adeyemi’s lawyer, the anti-graft agency commenced the interrogation, although the session was not concluded.

Another police source disclosed that investigators may resume questioning at a later date.

“His lawyer eventually came and he was later interrogated in the presence of his lawyer. They couldn’t conclude the questioning today and there’s the possibility of them continuing some other day, probably tomorrow (today),” the source said.

Under Nigeria’s criminal justice system, suspects are entitled to legal representation during interrogation, a safeguard designed to ensure fairness and protect the integrity of investigations.

The latest development comes amid expanding investigations into the alleged activities of the PFIPC, with the House of Representatives expected to question several top government officials over the appearance of the council in the 2026 Appropriation Bill and its alleged access to official government facilities.

Those expected before the lawmakers include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has already honoured an invitation by the ICPC in connection with the investigation.

Adeyemi, who was arrested last week, had alleged that Gbajabiamila issued him an appointment letter as Director-General of the PFIPC and claimed he paid money to secure the position.

The Chief of Staff has denied the allegations and instituted legal proceedings against Adeyemi.

Confirming Gbajabiamila’s appearance before the anti-corruption agency, his lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, said the presidential aide fully cooperated with investigators.

“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 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.

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

President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed the ICPC to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the alleged fictitious council after the Presidency stated that no such agency exists within the Federal Government.

In a statement issued on July 7 by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President ordered the anti-graft agency to conclude its investigation and submit its findings within 30 days.

According to the Presidency, investigators are examining allegations that Adeyemi used forged appointment letters and official government documents to present himself as the Director-General of the non-existent agency.

The probe is also expected to determine claims that he sought official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation, while allegedly opening several bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using forged documentation.

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