The embattled Director-General of the disowned Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi, has claimed that the ₦400 million he allegedly paid to secure his appointment was borrowed, with his lenders now petitioning the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for repayment.
Adeyemi made the disclosure on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s *Politics Today*, weeks after accusing the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, of receiving the same sum through a proxy to facilitate the appointment.
“I borrowed this money. In fact, those that I borrowed this money from have reported to the EFCC. I borrowed this money to pay for this appointment. They have written to the EFCC, asking me to refund their money.
“So, I’m not even here to pay the money back. I borrowed this money,” he said.
Adeyemi described the government’s handling of the controversy as “very, very unfortunate,” alleging that unnamed actors within government were attempting to embarrass him.
“Imagine the government claiming I manoeuvred the whole system. It’s unfortunate,” he added.
Responding to reports that a United States lobbying firm was assisting him in seeking asylum, Adeyemi said he was unaware of such arrangements and only learned of them through media reports.
“I read it the way you read it. Some people call me that they are looking for me,” he said, adding that he now relies on updates from family and friends.
He also denied any intention to flee the country, insisting that he remains in Nigeria despite reports suggesting otherwise.
“They pulled my social media handle down, and they still reported that I was about to run away out of Nigeria. I’m still in Nigeria. I’m not going anywhere,” he stated.
The PFIPC controversy gained public attention after the Presidency, in a June 11 disclaimer signed by Gbajabiamila, declared that no such agency exists under the Tinubu administration and described Adeyemi as an impostor.
A subsequent statement issued on July 1 by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said police investigations indicated that Adeyemi forged a presidential appointment letter, operated a fictitious government agency, and maintained multiple bank accounts, including some allegedly opened in the names of non-existent government bodies.
According to the Presidency, concerns about the council first arose in October 2025 after the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission flagged the activities of a similarly styled entity operating at cross-purposes with it.
Despite the official disclaimer, Adeyemi has maintained that his appointment was legitimate, claiming he operated openly for nearly three years, interacting with ministries, departments, and agencies, and hosting foreign delegations.
He has also alleged that Gbajabiamila demanded additional payments and a stake in a purported take-off grant for the council — claims the Chief of Staff’s lawyers have denied, threatening legal action over alleged defamation.
President Bola Tinubu has since directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter and submit a report within 30 days.
