Gbajabiamila not taken into custody, merely interrogated in connection with PFIPC controversy — ICPC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has refuted claims that Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, was taken into custody in relation to the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council scandal investigation.

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In a statement released on Tuesday, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare clarified that Gbajabiamila voluntarily responded to an invitation from investigators and was subsequently allowed to depart after providing answers to their questions.

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According to the commission, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives arrived at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday afternoon, where he spent a period of time with investigators before leaving shortly thereafter.

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The commission confirmed that Gbajabiamila's visit was a result of an invitation from its investigators, aligning with their ongoing efforts to gather all pertinent facts regarding the matter, and emphasized that he was not arrested, but rather willingly honoured the invitation.

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The ICPC statement underscored that investigations into the PFIPC controversy are still ongoing, with further updates to be provided as necessary.

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On Monday, Gbajabiamila's lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, revealed that the presidential aide had appeared before the ICPC to address questions related to the alleged PFIPC scandal.

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The investigation was initiated following President Tinubu's directive on July 2, ordering the ICPC to conduct a comprehensive probe into the controversy.

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Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated that the President instructed the commission to conclude its investigation and submit a detailed report within a 30-day timeframe.