Adeyemi: I Borrowed ₦100m To Secure PFIPC Appointment, Creditors Reported Me To EFCC

Adeniyi Adeyemi, who describes himself as the Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), has claimed that he borrowed ₦100 million to secure the appointment and that the individuals who provided the funds have now petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over repayment.

Adeyemi made the claim on Monday during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today, where he responded to questions about the source of the funds he used to operate the council.

According to him, the money was obtained through loans and not from public funds.

"Mr Seun, I borrowed this money. In fact, those that I borrowed this ₦100 million have reported me to the EFCC," he said.

"I borrowed this money to pay for this appointment. In fact, I can tell you, they have reported me to the EFCC asking me to refund their money. I borrowed this money."

Adeyemi did not disclose the identities of those who allegedly lent him the money or provide details of the circumstances surrounding the alleged payment.

His comments come amid ongoing controversy over the existence of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, which the Presidency has maintained is not a recognised government agency.

The Presidency has also stated that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.

Earlier this month, President Bola Tinubu directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct what the Presidency described as a thorough investigation into the PFIPC controversy.

Adeyemi is also facing allegations of forgery and impersonation in connection with the council, with criminal proceedings currently before the Federal High Court.

During the television interview, he dismissed allegations that he falsely claimed to have received an appointment from the United Nations, describing the reports as part of a coordinated campaign against him.

"It's all sponsored. It's a campaign of calumny. They should let us face the facts and documents," he said.

"It is unfortunate that some actors in government are taking up this matter. Honestly, imagine the government claiming that one man, whom they called a con artist, manoeuvred the whole system. It is unfortunate."

Adeyemi also denied reports suggesting he was seeking political asylum abroad with the assistance of a United States-based lobbying firm.

According to him, he has no intention of leaving Nigeria despite the ongoing investigations and legal proceedings.

"I just ignored it because they sponsor a lot of people to bring my social media handle down," he said.

"They said I was about to run away out of Nigeria. I'm still in Nigeria. I'm not going anywhere."

The Federal Government continues to maintain that the PFIPC has no legal standing and that investigations into the allegations surrounding the council are ongoing. The criminal charges against Adeyemi remain before the Federal High Court, where the allegations are yet to be determined.