Anti-graft agency says the President’s Chief of Staff voluntarily appeared before investigators and left after responding to questions on the controversial council…..
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has debunked reports claiming that the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, was arrested over the ongoing investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commission clarified that Gbajabiamila was invited by investigators as part of the inquiry and voluntarily appeared at its headquarters in Abuja.
ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare said the presidential aide cooperated with investigators, responded to questions and departed after the session, stressing that he was never placed under arrest.
“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 read.
According to the commission, Gbajabiamila arrived at the agency’s headquarters on Tuesday afternoon, spent some time with investigators before leaving after the engagement.
The anti-corruption agency said its investigation into the PFIPC controversy remains ongoing and assured the public that further information would be made available as the probe progresses.
The clarification comes a day after Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, confirmed that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives had honoured an invitation from the ICPC in connection with the investigation.
The probe was ordered by President Bola Tinubu on July 2 following the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had earlier disclosed that the President directed the ICPC to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the matter and submit its findings within 30 days.
