The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed reports claiming that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, was arrested, clarifying that he voluntarily honoured an invitation by investigators over the ongoing probe into the alleged fraudulent Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
The Commission made the clarification on Tuesday following widespread reports and speculation over Gbajabiamila’s visit to its headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Okor Odey, the ICPC said the Chief of Staff appeared before investigators solely to provide a statement in connection with the investigation.
According to the Commission, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed the ICPC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the operations of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has since disowned as fraudulent.
The anti-graft agency said the purported council allegedly operated from the Federal Secretariat in Abuja for about two years, with its activities centring on one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who allegedly paraded himself as the Director-General of the organisation.
The ICPC disclosed that Gbajabiamila arrived at its headquarters on Monday afternoon, responded to questions from investigators and departed after the interview.
It stressed that his appearance was voluntary and should not be interpreted as an arrest.
“The Chief of Staff’s visit was on the invitation of investigators and consistent with the Commission’s ongoing efforts to gather all relevant facts in the matter. He was not arrested; he simply willingly honoured an invitation,” the statement read.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to a thorough investigation of the matter, assuring the public that further updates would be provided as the probe progresses.
