The embattled Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi, has claimed that he borrowed ₦400 million to secure what he insists was a legitimate appointment into the controversial agency.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Adeyemi alleged that those who lent him the money have now petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to recover the funds.
“I borrowed this money. Those I borrowed it from have already reported to the EFCC, asking me to refund their money,” he said.
Adeyemi maintained that the money was used to facilitate his appointment, despite the Presidency’s insistence that the PFIPC is not a recognised government agency.
He also expressed frustration over the government’s handling of the controversy, claiming he had been unfairly portrayed as someone who manipulated the system.
Addressing reports that a United States lobbying firm was helping him seek political asylum, Adeyemi said he only learned about the development through media reports and had no direct involvement in the process.
He further alleged that his social media accounts had been targeted, making it difficult for him to monitor developments surrounding the case.
Adeyemi also dismissed speculation that he planned to flee Nigeria, insisting that he remains in the country despite the ongoing investigations.
The controversy began after the Presidency declared the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) a non-existent agency and identified Adeyemi as an impostor.
The Presidency later alleged that police investigations uncovered a forged presidential appointment letter, multiple bank accounts linked to the alleged agency and other suspected fraudulent activities.
Despite the allegations, Adeyemi has continued to insist that his appointment was genuine, claiming he operated openly for years and interacted with several government institutions.
He has also accused the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of receiving ₦400 million through an intermediary to facilitate his appointment and later demanding additional payments. Gbajabiamila has denied the allegations and threatened legal action.
The controversy intensified after the purported agency reportedly appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act with an allocation of more than ₦1.3 billion, prompting President Bola Tinubu to direct the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter.
