ADENIYI Adeyemi, who identifies himself as the Director-General of the disputed Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent panel to investigate the controversy surrounding the council and related allegations.
In an open letter addressed to the President, Adeyemi argued that the proposed panel should be independent and comprise multiple stakeholders to ensure neutrality, transparency, and public confidence in the outcome of the investigation.
According to him, membership of the panel should include representatives of civil society organisations, independent media organisations, international financial observers, and human rights bodies such as Amnesty International to oversee compliance with legal and international standards.
He also proposed the inclusion of diplomatic observers from organisations and countries including the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, ECOWAS, and the African Union.
Adeyemi further suggested that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should participate as technical partners within the broader investigative framework.
President Tinubu had earlier directed the ICPC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged PFIPC scandal and the reported ₦1.3 billion allocation linked to the council in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
However, Adeyemi questioned the independence of such an investigation, arguing that an agency within government may not be best positioned to investigate allegations involving key government actors.
“If this investigation is to earn the confidence of Nigerians and the international community, it must go beyond conventional bureaucratic processes,” he stated.
He maintained that he was prepared to provide documents and evidence immediately an independent investigative panel is constituted.
Adeyemi also expressed concerns over his personal safety, alleging that surrendering himself to authorities under the current circumstances could pose a threat to his life.
According to him, he had received intelligence suggesting he could be targeted if he appeared in an environment without independent monitoring.
He linked his concerns to the circumstances surrounding the reported death of Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as a key intermediary in the matter.
Adeyemi questioned official reports that Tanimola died in a fire incident at Kachi Hotel in Abuja, alleging there was no independent confirmation of the incident and raising concerns over the subsequent demolition of the hotel building.
He claimed the demolition may have resulted in the destruction of potential evidence connected to the case.
The controversy surrounding the PFIPC intensified after the Presidency stated that the council does not exist.
Despite the government’s position, Adeyemi has continued to insist that he was legitimately appointed to lead the body.
He has also denied allegations of wrongdoing and accused some senior government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of attempting to frustrate his activities after he allegedly refused certain demands.
During a press conference held last month, Adeyemi argued that the council’s appearance in the 2026 budget proposal was evidence of its existence.
He further alleged that funds were requested from him in relation to securing the appointment, claims that have been strongly disputed by those mentioned.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have accused Adeyemi of forging several government documents, including an alleged presidential appointment letter.
He has denied the allegations and insists that the matter should be determined through the judicial process.
“If I am wrong, let the court decide, and if I am right, let the court decide that as well,” he said during an appearance on Channels TV.
