Fresh Twist In PFIPC Scandal As Calls Grow For Reps To Invite Gbajabiamila

Pressure is mounting on the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) as calls grow for the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, to appear before the panel over allegations linked to the council’s purported establishment.

The development came as the committee directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to produce the alleged promoter of the PFIPC, Adeniyi Adeyemi, before lawmakers by noon on Wednesday.

Adeyemi, who has reportedly remained in police custody for more than two weeks, is expected to answer questions arising from testimonies and documents already submitted to the committee.

The panel, chaired by the lawmaker representing Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Yusuf Gagdi, is investigating how the purported agency allegedly obtained official recognition, secured government office accommodation and pursued budgetary allocations despite the Federal Government’s position that the council has no legal status.

Calls for Gbajabiamila’s appearance intensified following claims reportedly made by Adeyemi linking the Chief of Staff to efforts to establish the council.

A source familiar with the committee’s proceedings questioned why lawmakers did not press police representatives for more information when the IGP was represented at Monday’s hearing.

“The IGP appeared through a senior police officer. Why didn’t the committee ask the critical questions?” the source told The PUNCH.

The source also referenced allegations involving an intermediary, Dolapo Tanimola, whom Adeyemi reportedly claimed received ₦400 million allegedly intended for the Chief of Staff.

According to the source, Tanimola allegedly died in a fire at Kachi Hotel in Utako, Abuja, on October 22, 2025, while the hotel was reportedly demolished shortly afterwards.

“The next logical step is to invite Gbajabiamila to respond to these allegations,” the source said.

The Presidency and Gbajabiamila have consistently denied any connection to Adeyemi or the purported PFIPC.

Political analyst Jackson Ojo also criticised the committee for not inviting the Chief of Staff, arguing that such an appearance would provide him with an opportunity to publicly address and clear the allegations.

“The investigative panel got its approach wrong,” Ojo said.

“Beyond Adeyemi, Gbajabiamila should have been among the first people invited. If only to clear his name, he ought to have appeared before the committee. Their failure to invite him creates the impression that they are not fully committed to uncovering the truth.”

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) also joined the debate, urging Gbajabiamila to temporarily step aside while investigations continue.

However, HEDA Chairman Suraju Olanrewaju acknowledged that investigators had yet to establish concrete evidence of direct contact between Adeyemi and the Chief of Staff.

“Given Adeyemi’s inability to provide credible evidence of direct meetings, phone conversations or any personal relationship with the Chief of Staff, it would be premature to hold him responsible until investigations are concluded,” Olanrewaju said.

Despite this, he argued that the controversy exposed potential weaknesses in administrative oversight within the Presidency.

Olanrewaju also called on the committee to summon the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, to clarify any role his office may have played in matters relating to the PFIPC.

“In my view, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has even more questions to answer regarding the PFIPC controversy,” he alleged.

At Monday’s resumed hearing, Assistant Commissioner of Police Bashir Abdullahi, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, informed the committee that criminal proceedings had already commenced against Adeyemi.

According to Abdullahi, the Nigeria Police Force completed part of its investigation last year and subsequently filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi before the Federal High Court, where the matter is currently pending.

He cautioned lawmakers against compelling investigators to disclose information that could interfere with the ongoing criminal trial.

“We must avoid making statements that could prejudice ongoing investigations or judicial proceedings by influencing public opinion before the court reaches its decision,” he said.

Committee Chairman Yusuf Gagdi, however, insisted that Adeyemi’s appearance before the panel was essential to its investigation.

“This committee requires the alleged Director-General to appear before us because the reputations of individuals, institutions and government agencies are involved,” Gagdi stated.

“It is no longer optional. We need him to verify certain documents and provide clarification without compromising ongoing investigations so that we can complete our assignment and submit our report.”

Following deliberations, the committee formally directed the Inspector-General of Police to ensure Adeyemi appears before lawmakers by 12 noon on Wednesday.

“The committee hereby resolves that the Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should present Mr. Adeyemi before this committee on Wednesday at 12 noon. That is the committee’s ruling,” Gagdi declared.