Gbajabiamila Threatens ₦10bn Defamation Suit Over PFIPC Claims

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has threatened a ₦10 billion defamation suit against Adeniyi Adeyemi over allegations of bribery and involvement in a death.

Adeyemi describes himself as the convener of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, a body the Presidency says does not exist under the Tinubu administration.

In a letter signed by his lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, a senior advocate of Nigeria, Gbajabiamila demanded the removal of videos containing the allegations.

He also asked Adeyemi to publish a full retraction and apology within 72 hours.

The apology must appear in at least five national newspapers and on the social media platforms that circulated Adeyemi’s June 26 press conference.

Lawyers reject allegations

Pinheiro described the claims as false, malicious and without factual basis.

He said they were intended to portray Gbajabiamila as corrupt and involved in criminal conduct.

According to the letter, Gbajabiamila and Adeyemi have never met or had any direct interaction.

The legal team warned that failure to comply with the demands would lead to court action without further notice.

Adeyemi’s claims

At the June 26 press conference, Adeyemi alleged that Gbajabiamila received ₦400 million through a proxy.

He also claimed that the Chief of Staff demanded another ₦200 million to facilitate his appointment to the PFIPC.

Adeyemi called for an investigation into the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as an intermediary.

He also alleged that attempts had been made on his life.

Gbajabiamila has denied the allegations.

Dispute over PFIPC status

The legal threat follows a wider dispute over the status of the PFIPC.

In June, the Presidency said it had not created the council and had not appointed Adeyemi to any position.

Gbajabiamila also said neither his office nor the Presidency had authorised the organisation.

Adeyemi challenged that position, arguing that the PFIPC appeared in the 2026 budget despite the government’s denial.

The dispute has raised questions about how the organisation was represented in official documents and whether it had any valid government approval.

What happens next

Adeyemi must decide whether to withdraw the statements and issue the demanded apology.

Otherwise, Gbajabiamila may proceed with the threatened ₦10 billion suit.

The allegations remain unproven, and no court has ruled on their substance.

The separate controversy over the PFIPC’s status may also require further investigation by the relevant authorities.