ICPC Clears Gbajabiamila in Fake Agency Scandal, Says Appointment Letter Was Forged

ValidViewNetwork can report that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has cleared President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, of any wrongdoing in the controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) — a fake federal agency that operated for nearly two years.

ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN) , disclosed the findings on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, while presenting the Commission’s interim report in Abuja, exactly 30 days after President Tinubu directed the anti-graft agency to investigate the activities of the alleged fake council.

“I have just submitted the interim report and briefed Mr President accordingly. The President took the right decision in the spirit of transparency and accountability and directed me to address the media for the benefit of Nigerians,” Aliyu said.

Key Findings: No Evidence Against Gbajabiamila

ValidViewNetwork has learned that the ICPC’s investigation established that Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew, who presented himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC, was never appointed by the Federal Government or any authorised government institution.

According to the Commission, the appointment letter presented by Adeyemi, dated March 2024 and bearing a signature attributed to Gbajabiamila was completely forged.

Investigators found that:

· The Office of the Chief of Staff does not issue appointment letters for heads of government ministries, departments, and agencies

· Official correspondence records from the Office of the Chief of Staff showed no communication involving Adeyemi or the PFIPC between 2024 and September 2025

· The signature attributed to Gbajabiamila did not match his official specimen signature

· The fake PFIPC illegally appropriated the identity, offices and operational structures of the former Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC)

Fake State House Documents

ValidViewNetwork can report that the ICPC also uncovered that Adeyemi forged documents to present the PFIPC as a government institution.

One document, a letter seeking an administrative code for the alleged agency from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, was said to have been signed by a person identified as Akanbi Adewale, described as a Director of Administration and Support Services at the State House.

However, the ICPC found that no State House employee by that name held such a position during the period under review. Investigators also found that the State House does not have a department called Administration and Support Services.

The document also lacked security features found on authentic State House correspondence. A forensic examination further indicated that the signature attributed to Adewale was allegedly produced by Adeyemi.

No Public Funds Lost

ValidViewNetwork can confirm that the ICPC found no evidence that public funds were approved or disbursed to either the fake PFIPC or the former PEAC.

The Commission also found no weaknesses in the internal systems of the State House or the Central Bank of Nigeria, describing their processes as “above board”. The investigation did, however, identify weaknesses in verification processes, inter-agency oversight and government procedures, which it said were exploited by the suspect with “some level of negligence and connivance”.

Gbajabiamila Voluntarily Honoured Invitation

ValidViewNetwork understands that the ICPC had earlier dismissed reports that Gbajabiamila was arrested over the scandal. The Commission clarified that the Chief of Staff voluntarily appeared at its headquarters in Abuja on Monday, July 20, 2026, to give a statement and was not detained at any stage of the process.

“He was not arrested; he simply willingly honoured an invitation,” the ICPC said in a statement.

The Background: How the Scandal Unfolded

ValidViewNetwork can report that the PFIPC scandal exposed serious weaknesses in the verification processes of several public institutions.

The fake agency, which had no legal basis, was able to secure office space, government recognition and Central Bank of Nigeria accounts for nearly two years.

President Tinubu had ordered the ICPC on July 2, 2026, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the purported council. The Presidency had earlier disowned the PFIPC as a fraudulent entity allegedly operated by Adeyemi, who is accused of posing as its director-general.

The controversy also sparked a parallel investigation by the House of Representatives, with several government agencies and officials appearing before lawmakers to explain how the purported council allegedly secured official documentation.

What Happens Next

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ValidViewNetwork understands that the ICPC has recommended the prosecution of Adeyemi for alleged forgery, impersonation and related offences.

The Commission said investigations into other aspects of the case would continue. The findings effectively exonerate Gbajabiamila, whose office had come under public scrutiny following claims surrounding the alleged appointment.

ValidViewNetwork will continue to follow this developing story and bring you updates as the case progresses.