The self-acclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, Adeniyi Adeyemi, has denied going into hiding over the ongoing investigation into the alleged fake presidential agency, insisting that he withdrew from public view because of threats to his life.
Adeyemi made the claim on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he alleged that there had been several attempts on his life.
“I am ready to show my face. I am not hiding. I am only fearing for my life because I have it on good authority that my life is in danger,” he said.
“There have been several attempts on my life.”
Despite the controversy surrounding his claims, Adeyemi maintained that he was prepared to face the legal consequences of his actions and defend himself before a court of law.
“If I’m wrong, let the court of law determine that, and if I’m right, let the court also do the right thing,” he said.
The controversy stems from Adeyemi’s allegation that he paid ₦400 million through a proxy to the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, to secure his appointment as the head of the council.
He further alleged that an additional ₦200 million was later demanded to facilitate the appointment.
Explaining the source of the ₦400 million, Adeyemi claimed he borrowed the money.
“I borrowed the money for this appointment. In fact, those I borrowed it from have reported the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,” he said.
Earlier on Monday, Adeyemi had urged President Bola Tinubu to constitute an independent panel to investigate the allegations, insisting he was ready to provide evidence to substantiate his claims.
The allegations have sparked a major controversy after the Presidency dismissed the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council as a non-existent government agency.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, described the council as fictitious and accused Adeyemi of parading himself as the head of an agency that does not exist.
According to Onanuga, concerns over the activities of the alleged council first surfaced in October 2025 when the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission reported that another organisation was carrying out functions similar to its statutory responsibilities.
He disclosed that Gbajabiamila subsequently petitioned the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force over alleged forged appointment letters and the activities of persons impersonating government officials.
The Presidency also said President Tinubu had directed security agencies to investigate the matter.
However, Adeyemi pointed to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, where an entity listed as “Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” reportedly received a budgetary allocation of ₦1.303 billion, comprising ₦802.98 million for personnel, ₦200 million for overhead and ₦300 million for capital projects.
The budget entry has further fuelled public debate over the existence of the agency.
Meanwhile, Gbajabiamila has threatened legal action against Adeyemi over what he described as defamatory allegations.
The Federal Government had earlier filed charges against Adeyemi in connection with the controversy, while security agencies continue investigations into the matter.
