The Presidency has exonerated Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, from allegations linking him to the appointment of a suspect accused of operating a fictitious government body and forging official documents.
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The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, amid public discussions surrounding the activities of Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who is facing prosecution over claims that he established and ran a non-existent presidential council.
According to the Presidency, there is no evidence that Gbajabiamila approved, signed or authorised any appointment letter connected to Adeyemi or the alleged organisation.
Officials maintained that records from the Chief of Staff’s office do not support claims circulating in some quarters that he played any role in the matter.
“The Office of the Chief of Staff was not involved in the creation of the purported council and did not issue any appointment letter to the suspect,” the statement said.
Government officials explained that concerns first emerged after authorities noticed that the group was conducting activities that appeared official.
These reportedly included engagements with foreign diplomats and efforts to obtain diplomatic-related documentation despite lacking legal recognition.
Furthermore, the Presidency emphasised that appointments to federal agencies and government bodies are not made through the Office of the Chief of Staff.
It noted that such responsibilities fall within established government procedures and relevant administrative institutions.
As scrutiny intensified, security agencies were directed to investigate the operations of the suspected network.
The probe involved the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force, which examined documents and materials allegedly used to present the organisation as a legitimate government entity.
Investigators reportedly recovered forged correspondence, official-looking seals and other items believed to have been used to give credibility to the fictitious council.
Authorities also alleged that the suspect used the platform to engage individuals and organisations under false pretences.
Moreover, concerns were said to have been raised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after reports emerged that the suspect held meetings with ambassadors and diplomatic representatives without official authorisation.
Police findings referenced by the Presidency further alleged that multiple bank accounts were operated in the names of fabricated entities, while forged documents were allegedly deployed to support the activities of the fake organisation.
“The investigation uncovered no legal basis for the existence of the council being promoted by the defendants,” the Presidency stated, adding that the organisation was never recognised by the Federal Government.
Authorities disclosed that Adeyemi was arrested in Abuja and later arraigned alongside two other defendants.
Investigators concluded that the council had no status within the structure of government and was not backed by any presidential approval.
However, the Presidency reiterated that attempts to connect Gbajabiamila to the alleged scheme are unfounded and unsupported by official records.
It urged members of the public to allow the judicial process to run its course, noting that the courts will determine the liability or innocence of those standing trial.
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