Gbajabiamila Seeks N15bn Damages in Defamation Case Against PFIPC’s Adeyemi

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has approached the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja with a N15 billion defamation suit against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi over allegations linking him to an alleged kickback involving a N27.3 billion federal agency grant.

Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), had accused Gbajabiamila during a June 25, 2026 press conference of demanding a 48 per cent kickback, receiving N400 million through a proxy, and requesting an additional N200 million.

Gbajabiamila rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless and defamatory.

The suit was filed after Adeyemi allegedly failed to comply with a 72-hour ultimatum issued by the Chief of Staff to withdraw the allegations and publish an apology.

Through his lawyers at Pinheiro LP, led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Gbajabiamila is seeking N10 billion in general damages, N5 billion in aggravated damages, N200 million in legal costs, and a court order compelling Adeyemi to issue a public apology in five national newspapers and display it on all relevant online platforms for 30 days.

In court documents, Gbajabiamila maintained that he had never met or had any personal, official or professional dealings with Adeyemi.

He denied demanding any percentage of the alleged N27.3 billion grant, receiving the alleged N400 million through a proxy, requesting an additional N200 million, or authorising anyone to collect money on his behalf.

The Chief of Staff also denied allegations that he abused his office, interfered with investigations, intimidated media organisations or directed security agencies to harass the defendant.

According to the filing, “The claimant has never met the defendant, never held any meeting with him and has never authorised any intermediary, representative, agent or proxy to demand or receive money on his behalf.”

The suit further stated that after receiving a cease-and-desist notice published on July 7, 2026, Adeyemi continued repeating the allegations during media appearances, including interviews with VeryDarkMan and Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Gbajabiamila told the court that during one of those interviews, Adeyemi admitted he had never met him physically or verified his identity through a video call, while acknowledging that all alleged communications were through the late Babatunde Tanimola.

The claimant argued that those admissions contradicted Adeyemi’s earlier accusations.

The court also noted that Adeyemi is facing criminal prosecution before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations involving forged presidential documents and appointment letters.

Gbajabiamila said the allegations had severely damaged his reputation, generated widespread public discussion and prompted numerous enquiries from associates within and outside Nigeria.

He told the court he intentionally avoided responding through the media because he believed the judiciary was the proper forum to determine the issues.

The Chief of Staff urged the court to grant the reliefs sought, saying the lawsuit was aimed at clearing his name and safeguarding the integrity of his office.

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