The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has refuted reports claiming that Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, was arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal.
ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare clarified in a statement released on Tuesday that Gbajabiamila voluntarily honored an invitation from investigators and was permitted to leave after answering questions.
According to the anti-graft agency, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives arrived at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday afternoon, spent time interacting with the investigative panel, and departed shortly afterward.
“The Commission confirms that the chief of staff’s visit was on the invitation of its investigators and consistent with its ongoing efforts to gather all relevant facts in the matter. He was not arrested; he simply willingly honoured an invitation,” the statement said.
The commission emphasized that inquiries into the PFIPC controversy remain active and assured that further updates will be made available when necessary.
This comes after Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, disclosed on Monday that the presidential aide had appeared before the ICPC to clarify issues regarding the alleged scandal.
The probe follows an official directive issued by President Bola Tinubu on July 2, instructing the ICPC to conduct an exhaustive investigation into the controversy.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga previously noted that the President mandated the commission to conclude its findings and submit a detailed report within a 30-day window.
