What we know: Gbajabiamila: Police, DSS, ICPC Probe Cleared My Name

Femi Gbajabiamila, who serves as President Bola Tinubu's Chief of Staff, has announced that various investigations into accusations levelled against his office have found him innocent of any misconduct. Gbajabiamila made this disclosure on Saturday during the 2026 Gbaja mega empowerment event held in Lagos, where he distributed e-hailing electric vehicles, minibuses, tricycles, and financial aid to small business owners in his Surulere constituency.

Reflecting on the period of intense scrutiny, Gbajabiamila expressed gratitude to those who supported him. He stated, “The past few months have tested me in ways I never expected. Stories were written, strange accusations were made, lies were told, and my integrity was questioned.” He affirmed that these allegations were ultimately baseless following thorough investigations by the relevant authorities.

According to the Chief of Staff, “At the end of all the investigations, the Nigerian Police, the DSS, the ICPC cleared me of any wrongdoing, and the investigative reports are in the public domain.” He noted that this experience underscored the inherent challenges of public service, particularly for individuals aspiring to high political positions. “For those who seek high office, especially our young ones, sometimes this is the high price you have to pay and sacrifice you have to make. Do not be discouraged,” he advised.

Gbajabiamila also extended appreciation to President Tinubu for upholding due process rather than making hasty judgments based on unverified claims. He remarked, “I must thank my principal, President Bola Tinubu. Many people wanted him to rush to judgment and give a verdict before the investigation. He refused and insisted on due process.”

The Chief of Staff reiterated his unwavering commitment to his duties, describing the allegations as attempts to divert his attention. He asserted, “No amount of money, no amount of blackmail or lies, whether sponsored from within or outside, will detract me from my work and the work Mr. President has given me to do.” These comments followed probes into the activities of a supposed Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), which had led to the initial allegations against him. Gbajabiamila had appeared before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in July 2026 as part of their inquiry. The ICPC subsequently confirmed that it found no evidence linking him or his office to the alleged organization or its purported director-general.

Gbajabiamila vowed to remain focused on his official responsibilities and issued a stern warning to individuals exploiting his name for fraudulent activities. “And to anyone using my name to defraud people or misrepresent me, know that the law will always catch up with you,” he declared.

Regarding the empowerment initiative, valued at approximately ₦1.15 billion and benefiting about 5,000 individuals in Surulere, Gbajabiamila explained that its purpose was to provide direct assistance through cash grants, vehicles, equipment, and other support to help beneficiaries expand their businesses and improve their living standards. He clarified that the event, initially slated for June, was postponed to ensure meticulous verification of submissions from various wards, community associations, and trade groups. “In June, earlier this year, we shifted this event. It was not an easy decision, but I wanted to ensure everything sent in by wards, and trade associations were properly checked,” he said, adding, “I did not want anyone to collect what was meant for another person.”

Describing it as a “Mega Empowerment” initiative, Gbajabiamila highlighted the significant scale of the program. “Let me say again, there are about 5,000 beneficiaries in one day. That is why we call it Mega Empowerment. This is not a token gesture,” he emphasized. The former Speaker of the House of Representatives detailed that 3,905 participants each received ₦250,000, while another 348 beneficiaries were granted ₦500,000 each. The comprehensive package also included 61 electric vehicles, 50 electric tricycles, 60 minibuses, 100 laptops, four Toyota HiAce 18-seater buses, two security patrol vehicles, one medical ambulance, and two additional vehicles. In total, the program encompassed ₦1.15 billion in cash support and 279 vehicles.

He further mentioned the ongoing Gajarai transportation service, which offers free rides for students and discounted fares for elderly citizens. Gbajabiamila specifically noted the provision of electric vehicles for e-hailing services, underscoring the inclusion of electric cars, tricycles, and bikes as a deliberate move towards promoting cleaner transportation options.