Lenders Report Me to EFCC Over N100m Appointment Loan, Says ‘PFIPC DG’

Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), has alleged that individuals who lent him N100 million to secure the appointment have reported him to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over repayment of the debt.

Adeyemi made the claim on Monday during an interview on *Politics Today*, a Channels Television programme, as controversy continues to trail the existence of the PFIPC and his claim to the office.

His comments came days after the Presidency disowned the council, insisting that no such government agency exists and that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.

President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on July 7 to conduct a thorough investigation into the controversy surrounding the purported agency.

Speaking on the source of funds used to run the organisation, Adeyemi said he borrowed the money and was now under pressure from the lenders to repay it.

“Mr. Seun, I borrowed this money. In fact, those that I borrowed this N100 million have reported to EFCC,” he said.

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

He, however, did not identify those who allegedly lent him the money or explain who received the funds in connection with the appointment.

Adeyemi, who is also facing allegations of forgery and impersonation over the PFIPC, dismissed claims that he falsely presented himself as a United Nations appointee.

Describing the allegations as politically motivated, he insisted they were part of a campaign to damage his reputation.

“It’s all sponsored. It’s a campaign of calumny. They should let us face the facts and documents. It is unfortunate that some actors in the government are taking up this matter. It’s unfortunate, and it’s embarrassing,” he said.

He also rejected allegations that he manipulated government processes to secure recognition.

“Honestly, imagine the government claiming that one man, and called me a con artist, manoeuvred the whole system; it is unfortunate,” he added.

Adeyemi further denied reports suggesting he was planning to flee Nigeria or seek asylum abroad with the support of a United States-based lobbying firm.

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

“I don’t really know much about what is going on again. They said I was about to run away out of Nigeria. I’m still in Nigeria. I’m not going anywhere.”

The PFIPC controversy has drawn national attention since the Presidency distanced itself from the council and denied approving its establishment or appointing Adeyemi to head it.

The ICPC is currently investigating the matter following President Tinubu’s directive to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged appointment and the activities carried out in the name of the council.