The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, honoured an invitation from its investigators over the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), stressing that he was not arrested.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the ICPC, Gbajabiamila visited the commission on Monday in compliance with an invitation linked to an ongoing investigation ordered by President Bola Tinubu into the activities of the disputed PFIPC.

The anti-corruption agency said the investigation seeks to determine how the PFIPC, which the Presidency has described as a fraudulent and non-existent entity, allegedly operated from the Federal Secretariat in Abuja for about two years under Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who reportedly presented himself as the council’s director-general.

ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey said Gbajabiamila spent time responding to investigators’ questions before leaving the commission’s office.

“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 added that investigations are ongoing and further updates will be provided when necessary.

Earlier, Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, confirmed that his client appeared before the ICPC at about 3:00 p.m. on Monday in full cooperation with the investigation.

According to the lawyer, the Chief of Staff gave his testimony, answered questions from investigators and afterwards returned to his official duties.

The controversy centres on Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly presented himself for months as the director-general of the disputed PFIPC. Following his arrest last week, Adeyemi claimed Gbajabiamila issued him an appointment letter and alleged he paid money to secure the position.

Gbajabiamila has denied the allegations and filed a defamation suit against Adeyemi. The Presidency has also maintained that the PFIPC is not a recognised government agency.

President Tinubu subsequently directed the ICPC to investigate the matter.