By Friday Adeyi, Abuja

The investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) gathered momentum on Wednesday as operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) interrogated the alleged founder of the organisation, Adeniyi Adeyemi, at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.

The questioning forms part of an ongoing probe into allegations that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the Director-General of a presidential agency that government authorities insist was never established or recognised by the Federal Government.

The controversy surrounding the PFIPC emerged after claims that the council had been included in budget proposals and operated with apparent official recognition despite denials from key government institutions. Investigators are also examining allegations of forged documents, questionable bank accounts, and efforts to obtain government endorsements under the council’s name.

Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that the anti-graft agency initially scheduled Adeyemi’s interrogation for 10 a.m. on Wednesday. However, the exercise was postponed after his legal representative failed to appear at the police facility where he is being detained.

ICPC investigators had reportedly arrived at the centre and made preparations for the interview before suspending proceedings to ensure compliance with legal requirements guaranteeing a suspect’s right to counsel during interrogation.

The session eventually commenced later in the day after Adeyemi’s lawyer arrived. However, investigators were unable to conclude the exercise, with indications that further questioning may continue.

A senior police source, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, confirmed that the interrogation was rescheduled from the morning to the afternoon to accommodate the suspect’s legal representation.

“The ICPC team was at the Cybercrime Centre earlier in the day to question Adeyemi, but the exercise could not proceed because his lawyer was absent. The interview was therefore shifted to 3 p.m.,” the source said.

Another source familiar with the investigation confirmed that the interrogation eventually took place in the presence of Adeyemi’s lawyer but remained inconclusive.

“His lawyer later arrived, and the interrogation commenced. The investigators could not complete the session and may continue at a later date,” the source disclosed.

Under Nigeria’s criminal justice system, suspects undergoing formal interrogation by law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies are entitled to legal representation. Investigators often defer questioning until counsel is present to ensure due process and preserve the integrity of proceedings.

The latest development comes as lawmakers prepare to widen scrutiny of the controversial council. The House of Representatives is expected to question several top government officials over the PFIPC’s alleged inclusion in the 2026 budget and its reported access to government facilities.

Among those expected to appear before lawmakers are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; and Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has already honoured an invitation from the ICPC as part of the ongoing investigation.

Adeyemi, who was arrested last week, had alleged that Gbajabiamila issued him an appointment letter and received money in connection with the purported appointment. The Chief of Staff has strongly denied the allegations and has instituted legal action against him.

The Presidency has also distanced itself from the PFIPC, maintaining that no such agency exists within the structure of the Federal Government.

Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, confirmed his client’s appearance before the anti-corruption agency, stating that the Chief of Staff fully cooperated with investigators and provided testimony regarding the matter before returning to official duties.

The investigation follows a directive issued by President Bola Tinubu ordering the ICPC to conduct a comprehensive probe into the activities of the PFIPC and submit its findings within 30 days.

In a statement released on July 7 by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described the PFIPC as a fictitious organisation and directed investigators to examine allegations surrounding its operations.

The probe is expected to focus on claims that forged appointment letters and official government documents were used to portray the council as a legitimate federal institution. Investigators are also examining allegations that Adeyemi sought diplomatic recognition, visa facilitation, and other official privileges by presenting himself as a presidential appointee.

Authorities are further investigating claims that multiple bank accounts were opened in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly falsified documents, a development that has heightened concerns about the scale and implications of the alleged fraud.