The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, was not arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal. Instead, Gbajabiamila voluntarily attended an interview with investigators and left after answering their questions, according to a statement released by the commission on Tuesday. Gbajabiamila arrived at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday afternoon, met with investigators, and departed shortly thereafter. The commission emphasized that his presence was based on an invitation from its investigators and aligned with its broader effort to collect information related to the PFIPC controversy. There was no mention of any formal detention or legal action against Gbajabiamila during the encounter. This clarification comes after reports circulated suggesting that Gbajabiamila had been arrested. His lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, had previously informed the media that Gbajabiamila appeared before the ICPC on Monday to respond to questions about the alleged scandal. According to Ogunye, Gbajabiamila cooperated fully with the commission's inquiries and returned to his duties afterward. The investigation into the PFIPC follows a directive from President Tinubu, who ordered the ICPC to conduct a thorough examination of the matter in early July. The president mandated that the commission complete its inquiry and present a detailed report within 30 days. The PFIPC, which is not recognized by any law or presidential decree, has been the subject of intense scrutiny due to claims that it operated within the federal bureaucracy despite lacking legal legitimacy. The controversy surrounding the PFIPC intensified after Adeniyi Adeyemi, an individual who allegedly posed as the organization's director-general, claimed to have paid N400 million in bribes to secure its operations. Among these payments, Adeyemi reportedly included funds he believed were given to Gbajabiamila. However, Gbajabiamila has denied receiving any such bribe and has stated that he was the one who reported Adeyemi to the police. Adeyemi faces multiple charges, including conspiracy and forgery, in relation to the PFIPC. A warrant for his arrest has been issued following repeated absences from court proceedings. He is currently in police custody. Meanwhile, Gbajabiamila has initiated legal action against Adeyemi, filing a N15 billion defamation lawsuit after demanding that the latter retract the bribery allegations and issue an apology. The PFIPC scandal has raised concerns about the functioning of the federal bureaucracy, particularly how the organization managed to secure office space, obtain budget allocations, open bank accounts, and employ public officials without a legal foundation. These issues are central to the ICPC's current investigation. Separately, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Tinubu to apologize to Nigerians and resign over what he describes as a cover-up related to the PFIPC accounts scandal. This call follows conflicting statements from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF). Atiku argues that the discrepancies between these two institutions' accounts have placed the Tinubu administration in a severe credibility crisis. In a statement released by his senior special assistant on public communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku asserted that the president must take immediate responsibility for the situation. He urged Tinubu to initiate an independent investigation and hold all parties accountable to restore public trust. If the president fails to act decisively, Atiku suggested that Tinubu has forfeited the moral authority to remain in office. Atiku criticized the administration for its lack of transparency and warned that the continued silence of key officials, including the attorney-general, exacerbates the crisis. He called on the National Assembly to compel both the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Governor of the Central Bank to testify before an investigative committee under oath, ensuring that the public receives a clear and unified explanation of the events. The PFIPC scandal has evolved beyond mere financial disputes, according to Atiku, becoming a test of President Tinubu's integrity and leadership capabilities. He argued that if a single individual could manipulate the system to create contradictions between two crucial financial institutions, it raises serious questions about the extent of potential mismanagement and oversight failures within the administration.
3 reports
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 856 days agoThe Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Nigeria confirmed that it questioned Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, regarding an investigation into the activities of a purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). The PFIPC was not officially established by law or presidential decree but reportedly operated within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja for over two years. Gbajabiamila attended the inquiry voluntarily and cooperated with investigators, though he was not arrested. The ICPC emphasized that the questioning was part of its ongoing efforts to gather information about the alleged illegal operations of the PFIPC. The controversy arose after Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be the director-general of the PFIPC, alleged that he paid N400 million in bribes to facilitate the organization's functioning, including payments supposedly made to Gbajabiamila. Gbajabiamila has denied receiving any bribes and claims he reported Adeyemi to the police.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the situation, citing both the ICPC's confirmation of questioning Gbajabiamila and the statements from Gbajabiamila's lawyer. It includes details from multiple perspectives without apparent bias toward either side of the investigation.
Why factuality (90): This article accurately reports the ICPC's confirmation that Gbajabiamila was questioned but not arrested. It includes direct quotes from the ICPC spokesperson and aligns closely with the first article's information. The details about the questioning process and the lack of arrest are consistent wit
Why objectivity (85): The article remains largely objective, presenting the facts without overt bias. It avoids taking sides and focuses on the actions of the ICPC and Gbajabiamila. However, it could have included more context from other parties involved in the scandal for greater balance.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 806 days agoThe Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) in Nigeria has clarified that Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, was not arrested but voluntarily cooperated with investigators regarding the PFIPC scandal. In a statement, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare confirmed that Gbajabiamila visited the commission's office in Abuja, answered questions, and left voluntarily. The investigation, ordered by President Tinubu in July, is ongoing, with the commission committed to providing further updates. Gbajabijamila's lawyer previously stated that the aide appeared before the ICPC to address allegations related to the scandal.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information from the ICPC regarding Gbajabiamila's cooperation with investigators, without overtly favoring any political side. It includes quotes from official sources and provides context about the ongoing investigation without taking a clear ideological stance. The ph
Why factuality (90): The article provides a clear and factual account of the ICPC confirming that Gbajabiamila was questioned but not arrested. It includes direct quotes from the ICPC spokesperson and aligns with the second article's information. The timeline and procedural details are consistent with the available cros
Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a neutral tone, reporting events objectively without taking sides. It avoids emotional language and sticks to verified facts, though it does not include perspectives from other stakeholders like Atiku Abubakar or the Tinubu administration.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentProgressiveFactual 75Objective 455 days ago PFIPC scandal: Apologise and resign now, Atiku tackles TinubuFormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to apologize to Nigerians and resign over the PFIPC accounts scandal, citing conflicting testimonies between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF). Atiku accused Tinubu's administration of a cover-up and a credibility crisis, arguing that the president owes Nigerians an apology and must initiate an independent investigation. He criticized the lack of clarity from both financial institutions and condemned the attorney-general for remaining silent. Atiku called for the National Assembly to summon both officials for sworn testimony to resolve the dispute.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the PFIPC scandal as a crisis of credibility and integrity within President Tinubu's administration, using strong language such as 'cover-up,' 'credibility crisis,' and 'moral authority.' It emphasizes the need for accountability and transparency, aligning more with left-leaning关切
Why factuality (75): The article accurately reports Atiku Abubakar's demands regarding the PFIPC scandal and references the conflicting testimonies between CBN and OAGF. However, it lacks specific details about the nature of these contradictions and does not cite direct evidence or official statements beyond Atiku's cla
Why objectivity (45): The article uses strong, emotionally charged language such as 'gravest credibility crisis' and 'web of deception,' which suggest bias toward Atiku's position. It frames the situation as a clear-cut case of corruption and dishonesty without presenting alternative viewpoints or providing nuance.
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