As the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, launches investigation into the operation of the ‘fake’ Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, is alleged to have withdrawn from legal representation of its self-acclaimed Director-General, Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi.
Adeyemi had alleged that the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila demanded a 48 per cent share of the agency’s reported ₦27.3 billion take off grant.
He also accused the presidential aide of receiving ₦400 million through an intermediary and requesting an additional ₦200 million to facilitate presidential approvals.
However, Gbajabiamila has strongly denied the allegations, insisting he has never had any personal, professional or official relationship with Adeyemi.
Falana who had earlier indicated his willingness to defend Adeyemi, is however, said to have stepped back after encountering difficulties in obtaining verifiable information and supporting documentation from Adeyemi.
Adeyemi is alleged to have failed to provide critical documents and evidence requested by Falana to build a coherent defense. The situation reportedly raised red flags, with claims that Adeyemi could not substantiate several of the allegations he had previously made, including those directed at the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Further complicating the matter are allegations that Falana uncovered a pattern of inconsistencies linked to Adeyemi’s past activities, described by some insiders as potentially fraudulent. These concerns, sources say, contributed to the decision to disengage from the case.
It was also gathered that despite earlier efforts by Falana to facilitate adequate security arrangements for Adeyemi’s court appearance, the defendant allegedly showed reluctance to present himself for trial and preferred media interviews from different hideouts. Adeyemi was eventually arrested last week in Osun State after reportedly evading authorities.
Recall that Falana did not appear in court on July 14, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Abuja for Adeyemi’s defense. His absence, alongside Adeyemi’s failure to be present, led the court to issue a bench warrant for Adeyemi’s arrest.
Meanwhile, the trial of Adeyemi Mathew was adjourned till September 30, 2026.
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