BREAKING NEWS: The N15 Billion Showdown — Gbajabiamila Drags 'Fake Agency' DG to Court Over 48% Kickback and Murder Allegations

 

By Ayekooto Media News Desk

ABUJA — The political and legal corridors of the Federal Capital Territory are currently on fire as the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has officially slammed a staggering ₦15 billion defamation lawsuit against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew.

The monumental suit, filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, stems from deeply controversial allegations that the Chief of Staff demanded a massive 48 per cent kickback from a ₦27.3 billion take-off grant approved for a federal agency—the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC)—an agency the Presidency insists is entirely fictitious. 

The Explosive Claims and the ₦15 Billion Demand

Through his formidable legal team led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), alongside Folu Oguntade (SAN) and other senior advocates, Gbajabiamila has described Prince Adeniyi’s allegations as false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to portray him as a corrupt and morally bankrupt public official.

In the detailed statement of claim, the Chief of Staff is demanding:

₦10 Billion as general damages to be paid to charities of his choice.

₦5 Billion as aggravated damages for the defendant's persistent conduct.

₦200 Million as the cost of the legal action.

A Mandatory Public Apology:An order compelling Prince Adeniyi to publish a full retraction in five national newspapers and pin the apology on all his social media platforms for 30 consecutive days.

 

The Core of the Controversy

The legal battle traces back to a highly publicized press conference held by Prince Adeniyi in June 2026. During the briefing, Adeniyi, who parades himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC, leveled heavy accusations against the Chief of Staff, claiming:

1. The 48% Kickback: That a dispute arose because Gbajabiamila demanded 48% of the agency's ₦27.3 billion budget allocation.

2. The Proxy Bribe: That ₦400 million had already been paid to Gbajabiamila through a proxy, and an additional ₦200 million was being demanded to secure presidential approvals. 

3. A Suspicious Death:That an intermediary between both parties, Mr. Babatunde Tanimola, died under highly suspicious circumstances in an Abuja hotel fire in October 2025. 

Gbajabiamila’s Categorical Denial

Swearing under oath, Gbajabiamila categorically denied these explosive claims. He stated that he has never met Prince Adeniyi, never held a meeting or video call with him, and certainly never authorized any proxy to collect bribes on his behalf. 

The claimant’s legal team further highlighted a major contradiction: during a recent interview with a popular social media influencer, Prince Adeniyi allegedly admitted that he had never actually met the Chief of Staff in person and had no independent means to verify if the person he communicated with was indeed Gbajabiamila.

A Shadow of Forgery

Adding to the drama, Prince Adeniyi is already in the crosshairs of the law. He is currently standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja (Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/652/2026) on an eight-count criminal charge bordering on forgery of presidential appointment letters, conspiracy, and impersonation regarding the very same PFIPC agency. Earlier this week, Justice Mohammed Umar ordered his arrest for failing to appear for his arraignment.

The FCT High Court has now directed Prince Adeniyi to enter an appearance within 14 days of being served the originating processes, failing which judgment may be entered against him in default. 

Ayekooto Media will continue to monitor this high-stakes legal battle as it unfolds in the capital. 

David Alani Ige (The Scribe)

Public Policy Analyst, Institutional Archivist, and Publisher of Ayekooto Media.

Phunshor01@gmail.com

Igboho, Oyo State.