Gbajabiamila threatens N10bn lawsuit against fake agency head Adeyemi

Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, has given Adeniyi Adeyemi, the head of a fake federal agency, 72 hours to withdraw accusations against him. Adeyemi has alleged corruption, abuse of office, fraud, and murder. If he does not back down, Gbajabiamila will file a N10 billion defamation lawsuit and pursue criminal charges.

This demand is in a cease-and-desist letter dated July 6, shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday. Kemi Pinheiro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, wrote the letter on behalf of Pinheiro LP, the law firm for Mr Gbajabiamila. The letter noted that Adeyemi’s whereabouts are “unknown.”

Mr Pinheiro called the allegations made during Adeyemi’s press conference on June 25 false and malicious. He claimed they were meant to damage Gbajabiamila’s reputation and harm public trust in his position.

He described Gbajabiamila as a dedicated public servant with a strong reputation built over many years. He served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023 and is now Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. The law firm stated that his leadership and integrity are among his most valuable traits.

The letter said Adeyemi’s press conference, which spread widely through media, painted Gbajabiamila as “corrupt, dishonest, criminally culpable, morally bankrupt, administratively incompetent, a murderer and unfit to occupy public office.”

Mr Pinheiro mentioned that Adeyemi claimed Gbajabiamila demanded 48 percent of a take-off grant for a group called the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). Adeyemi also accused Gbajabiamila of receiving N400 million through proxy deals related to appointments at this fake organization. Gbajabiamila was also accused of using his position to intimidate individuals and media.

The letter pointed out that Adeyemi further claimed Gbajabiamila took part in fraudulent budget activities, manipulated security agencies, used drugs while working, and was involved in murder and cover-ups. Mr Pinheiro firmly rejected these allegations, stating they lack any proof.

Pinheiro emphasized that Gbajabiamila had never met or interacted with Adeyemi. He said, “Your decision to fabricate and publish allegations against a person with whom you have had absolutely no relationship or interaction shows the reckless and malicious nature of your publication.”

The law firm argued that these claims went beyond fair political comment or criticism. According to them, the allegations of corruption and criminality were made without any legal justification or evidence. They noted that these statements had harmed Gbajabiamila’s hard-earned reputation, led to public ridicule, and caused damage to his image both in Nigeria and abroad.

The firm also criticized Adeyemi for discussing these allegations in the media instead of going to proper investigative bodies. “It is more troubling that you chose to defame him through your press statements after a criminal charge had been filed against you,” the letter stated.

It added that “trial by media is not recognized by Nigerian law and cannot replace due process.” This cease-and-desist letter follows an ongoing criminal case against Adeyemi. He claims to lead the PFIPC, which the Presidency has said does not exist.

The Presidency has publicly distanced itself from both Adeyemi and the council, stating no such agency is under the Tinubu administration and that he was never given any official role there. Court documents show the Federal Government has charged Adeyemi and two others with conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation. They are accused of forging government documents, including a fake presidential appointment letter.

Mr Gbajabiamila is listed as one of 11 witnesses for the prosecution. Police investigations show he filed a report with the Inspector-General of Police in October 2025 over forgery and impersonation claims. Investigators searched Adeyemi’s office and home, finding documents related to the fake agency.

They also found 34 bank accounts linked to him, including nine opened in the names of fake government agencies. Despite these charges, Adeyemi denies any wrongdoing. He insists he was lawfully appointed and believes the Presidency is trying to silence him.

“I have a letter of appointment. However, since the matter is in court, I won’t say much,” he stated. He added that he was ready to defend himself and trusts that the court will clear his name.

Adeyemi also rejected claims of fabricating the agency, arguing he wouldn’t have been able to meet with various ministries and agencies for almost three years if the organization did not exist. “If for one second we assume the agency does not exist, would I have the boldness to go all over the country meeting heads of ministries?” he questioned. “Nigeria is not a banana republic.”

He has called on President Bola Tinubu to set up an independent panel to look into both his claims against Gbajabiamila and the situation regarding the fake agency. He also urged Gbajabiamila to step down while the investigation is ongoing.

The solicitors mentioned that the criminal case is filed as Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/652/2026, FRN v. Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew & Ors. The allegations include forging an appointment letter and presidential letterhead papers to show he was appointed by President Tinubu.

The law firm argued that many of Adeyemi’s claims relate to matters already in court. They added that the publication has attracted significant public attention, with many questioning Gbajabiamila’s integrity.

Gbajabiamila’s lawyers demanded that Adeyemi immediately stop making or publishing any more defamatory statements about him. They also demanded the removal of all press conference materials from all platforms he controls.

They insisted that Adeyemi must publish a full apology acknowledging that the allegations were false and without basis. This apology must be prominent in at least five national newspapers and on all social media platforms where it was shared.

The lawyer also demanded a written commitment from Adeyemi to avoid further defamatory statements. He warned that if these demands are not met within 72 hours, Gbajabiamila would have no choice but to start legal action without further notice.

The proposed legal action will include a criminal complaint for defamation under the laws of the Federal Capital Territory and a civil case seeking N10 billion in damages. The law firm said any damages awarded would go to charities chosen by Gbajabiamila. They will also seek a permanent injunction to stop Adeyemi from making further defamatory statements and a court order to publish a retraction and apology.