By Mercy Joseph, Abuja
The investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) has intensified as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) commenced interrogation of the alleged founder of the disputed agency, Adeniyi Adeyemi, inside police detention.
The PFIPC controversy began after allegations that Adeyemi presented himself as the Director-General of a presidential body that several government institutions insist was never created or recognised.
The allegations also involve suspected forged documents, multiple bank accounts and the council’s inclusion in the 2026 budget proposals.
ICPC operatives initially planned to question Adeyemi at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre at about 10 a.m., but the exercise was postponed because his lawyer was absent.
The interrogation later commenced around 3 p.m. after his legal representative arrived, although the session was not concluded and may continue.
The House of Representatives is also set to question several top government officials over the alleged operations of the council and its appearance in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
Those expected before the committee include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele; Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi; and other senior government officials.
The committee is investigating how the council allegedly secured office accommodation, sought official recognition from government agencies and was included in the federal budget despite claims by the Presidency that it does not exist.
Adeyemi, who was arrested last week, reportedly claimed that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, issued him an appointment letter and that he paid money to secure the position.
Gbajabiamila has denied the allegations, appeared before the ICPC to give his statement and has filed a lawsuit against Adeyemi.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed the ICPC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the alleged fake council, including claims of forged appointment letters, unauthorised government documents, attempts to obtain diplomatic recognition and the opening of bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies.
Meanwhile, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Tinubu to provide clarity over conflicting explanations by government institutions regarding bank accounts linked to the PFIPC, urging an independent investigation and greater accountability over the controversy.
