Alleged PFIPC Boss Detained in Abuja as Probe Deepens, Gbajabiamila Files N15bn Defamation Suit

Adeniyi Adeyemi, the embattled Director-General of the Presidential Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), is currently being held by police investigators in Abuja as authorities intensify investigations into the activities of the organisation, which government officials have described as a non-existent federal agency.

Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that Adeyemi is being detained at the headquarters of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Guzape, Abuja, where he has been subjected to extensive questioning following his arrest.

His detention comes amid growing scrutiny over the operations of PFIPC and allegations surrounding its claims of operating as a government-backed institution.

According to reports, Adeyemi was apprehended in Osun State by operatives of the IRT led by Chief Superintendent of Police Moses Lohor. He was subsequently taken to Ibadan, Oyo State, before being flown to Abuja in compliance with a warrant reportedly issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Witnesses reportedly saw Adeyemi boarding a private jet to the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday shortly after his arrest.

A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the case, confirmed that the suspect remains in custody and is assisting investigators.

The source said investigators are focusing on allegations linked to the alleged unlawful operation of PFIPC as well as other activities that have attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies.

“He was arrested by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team and is currently being interrogated at the unit’s headquarters in Abuja,” the officer said.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Nigeria Police Force were unsuccessful. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, said he would verify the details and respond but had not done so as of press time.

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The investigation follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a comprehensive probe into the controversy surrounding PFIPC and submit its findings within 30 days.

Gbajabiamila Seeks N15bn Damages Over Alleged Defamation

Meanwhile, the controversy has taken a legal turn, with the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, filing a N15 billion defamation lawsuit against Adeyemi.

The suit stems from allegations allegedly made by Adeyemi claiming that Gbajabiamila demanded a 48 per cent kickback from a N27.3 billion take-off grant approved for a federal agency.

Court documents filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja show that the Chief of Staff is seeking N10 billion in general damages and an additional N5 billion in aggravated damages.

Gbajabiamila is also demanding N200 million to cover legal costs and is asking the court to compel Adeyemi to issue a full retraction and public apology in five national newspapers.

In addition, the suit requests an order directing the defendant to prominently display the apology across all social media platforms and online channels where the alleged defamatory claims were published for a period of 30 days.

The developments mark a new chapter in the unfolding PFIPC controversy, which has drawn national attention and triggered investigations by both anti-corruption agencies and law enforcement authorities.