A United States-based policy and government affairs firm, Von Batten-Montague York, says it has briefed senior members of President Donald Trump’s political team on allegations made by Adeniyi Adeyemi, the man at the centre of the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
In a statement released on Tuesday, the firm said it would begin briefing members of the U.S. Congress this week over claims involving the alleged misappropriation of World Bank-supported funds by senior Nigerian government officials.
According to the firm’s founder, Dr. Von Batten, he held discussions with Adeyemi and believes the allegations warrant investigation by relevant U.S authorities, including Congress, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
He said the allegations had already been presented to senior figures within President Donald Trump’s team as part of efforts to draw international attention to the claims.
The firm stated that Adeyemi claimed he was officially appointed to head the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and that the agency operated from government premises with funding allegedly linked to Nigeria’s national budget.
It further alleged that Adeyemi accused Gbajabiamila of demanding a percentage of the agency’s budget and claimed he became the target of retaliation after refusing the request.
The statement also expressed concern over Adeyemi’s safety, alleging that he and members of his family had received threats.
Von Batten-Montague York warned that any harm to Adeyemi while he is reportedly willing to cooperate with U.S. authorities could trigger calls for an international investigation.
The firm reiterated its earlier offer to assist Adeyemi in seeking asylum and whistleblower protection in the United States if necessary.
Adeyemi has remained at the centre of public controversy following allegations that he falsely presented himself as Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Nigerian Presidency has maintained does not exist.
He is currently facing criminal charges filed by the Nigeria Police over alleged conspiracy, forgery and impersonation after authorities accused him of forging official government documents and operating under a non-existent federal agency.
Meanwhile, Adeyemi has consistently denied wrongdoing, insisting he was legitimately appointed and recently called for an independent investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged PFIPC and a disputed ₦1.3 billion budget allocation.
The claims made by Von Batten-Montague York and Adeyemi have not been independently verified.
Nigerian authorities have continued to maintain that the agency is not recognised by the Federal Government, while the criminal case against Adeyemi remains before the court.
