Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called for an independent investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) into allegations involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, insisting that the Presidency lacks the constitutional authority to exonerate anyone accused of corruption or fraud.
Falana made the remarks amid the controversy surrounding Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who is facing criminal charges over allegations of forgery, impersonation, and operating a fictitious government agency. The Federal Government has accused Adeyemi of forging official State House documents and falsely presenting himself as the Director-General of a non-existent presidential agency. The Presidency has maintained that Adeyemi acted without authorization and that the Chief of Staff was, in fact, one of the complainants who petitioned security agencies over the alleged forgery.
Despite the Presidency's public defence of Gbajabiamila, Falana argued that no executive authority has the constitutional power to absolve any individual where allegations of fraud or corruption have been raised.
According to the senior lawyer, law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies—not political offices—are responsible for determining the facts through an impartial investigation.
«“The Presidency can only refer Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as the other individual, to the ICPC because allegations of fraud and corruption have been raised.”»
Falana stressed that allowing independent institutions to investigate such claims is essential to maintaining public confidence in the rule of law and ensuring accountability in government.
He further questioned reports surrounding the financial activities linked to the alleged agency, raising concerns over budgetary allocations and banking arrangements that, in his view, deserve public explanation.
«“The government will have to explain to Nigerians how a whopping sum of ₦24bn was budgeted for an unknown agency, as well as how that agency had accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria.”»
The remarks add another dimension to an already high-profile case that has generated widespread public debate over transparency, accountability, and oversight within government institutions.
According to information released by the Presidency, Adeyemi allegedly operated dozens of bank accounts linked to fictitious government entities and is facing an eight-count charge that includes conspiracy, forgery, impersonation, and the use of forged presidential documents. The government insists the agency he claimed to head does not exist and that investigations began after complaints from several government institutions, including the Office of the Chief of Staff.
However, Falana maintains that the seriousness of the allegations requires more than official statements or public denials. He believes only a transparent investigation conducted by the appropriate anti-graft agencies can establish the truth and reassure Nigerians that no individual is above the law.
The controversy has continued to fuel calls for greater scrutiny of public institutions, particularly regarding government budgeting processes, the establishment of agencies, and financial controls involving public funds.
As the criminal proceedings against Adeyemi continue before the Federal High Court, legal observers say the outcome of both the court case and any potential anti-corruption investigation could have significant implications for public confidence in Nigeria's anti-corruption framework.
For now, Falana's position remains clear: allegations of fraud and corruption should be investigated independently, and any questions surrounding the reported ₦24 billion allocation and related financial arrangements should be fully explained in the interest of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
0 Comments