Femi Gbajabiamila: Cleared by Police DSS ICPC of PFIPC Allegations

• Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila announced he has been cleared of all allegations of wrongdoing following investigations.
• The Nigerian Police, DSS, and ICPC conducted separate inquiries and found the accusations against him to be without merit.
• Allegations were primarily linked to a purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), with the ICPC finding no connection to Gbajabiamila.
• Mr. Gbajabiamila praised President Bola Tinubu for insisting on due process and allowing investigations to conclude before judgment.
• The investigative reports from the clearing agencies are reportedly available in the public domain.

This comprehensive review by key national security and anti-corruption agencies effectively means Femi Gbajabiamila cleared by Police DSS ICPC.

Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, recently announced that a series of investigations into allegations against him have concluded, clearing him of any wrongdoing. Speaking at a significant empowerment event in Lagos, Mr. Gbajabiamila confirmed that the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) all found the accusations to be without merit. This comprehensive review by key national security and anti-corruption agencies effectively means Femi Gbajabiamila cleared by Police DSS ICPC.

The announcement came during the 2026 Gbaja mega empowerment program in Surulere, where residents received substantial support including e-hailing electric cars, minibuses, tricycles, and cash grants for small businesses. Reflecting on the period of intense scrutiny, Mr. Gbajabiamila acknowledged the personal toll, stating that his integrity had been questioned by "strange accusations" and "lies" that were widely circulated. He expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout this challenging time, emphasizing the unexpected difficulties he faced. The Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila investigation outcome underscores the rigorous process public officials can undergo.

The allegations that prompted these investigations were primarily linked to a purported entity known as the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). Concerns arose regarding the activities of this organization, leading to a formal inquiry into Mr. Gbajabiamila's potential involvement. As part of this extensive investigative process, Mr. Gbajabiamila appeared before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in July 2026.

Following its thorough examination, the ICPC issued a report explicitly stating that it found no evidence connecting Mr. Gbajabiamila or his office to the alleged PFIPC, nor to the appointment of its purported director-general. This specific finding was corroborated by the broader investigations conducted by the Nigerian Police and the DSS. Ultimately, the Gbajabiamila PFIPC allegations cleared him entirely, with the Chief of Staff confirming that the detailed investigative reports from all three agencies are now accessible in the public domain, providing full transparency regarding the Gbajabiamila integrity investigation outcome.

Mr. Gbajabiamila utilized the occasion to reflect on the inherent challenges of public service, particularly for individuals aspiring to high political office. He characterized the experience as a "high price" and a "sacrifice" often demanded of those in leadership roles, urging younger generations not to be deterred by such trials. His remarks highlighted the resilience required to navigate the complexities and criticisms that often accompany prominent positions.

Crucially, the Chief of Staff extended his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for upholding the principles of due process. He noted that despite pressure from some quarters to deliver a swift judgment, President Tinubu insisted on allowing the investigations to run their full course before any conclusions were drawn. This commitment to procedural fairness, Mr. Gbajabiamila asserted, was instrumental in ensuring a just outcome. He reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to his responsibilities, vowing that no amount of "blackmail or lies," regardless of their origin, would divert him from the duties entrusted to him by the President. He also issued a stern warning to individuals exploiting his name for fraudulent activities, stating that they would face legal consequences. The empowerment program itself, valued at approximately ₦1.15 billion for about 5,000 beneficiaries in his Surulere constituency, had been postponed from June to ensure proper verification of all submissions.

This case demonstrates the investigative process and potential for exoneration by Nigerian anti-corruption and security agencies (Police, DSS, ICPC) for high-profile public officials, with reports potentially available publicly. Lawyers advising clients facing similar allegations can note this precedent regarding due process and the outcome of such investigations.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspaper