Timi Frank Demands Forensic Probe into Intermediary’s Death, Seeks International Investigation of Alleged Presidency Bribery Scandal

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Comrade Timi Frank, has called for a forensic investigation into the death of Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as the principal intermediary in the alleged appointment and bribery scandal involving the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Frank said the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death must be thoroughly investigated, arguing that his testimony could have been crucial in uncovering the truth behind the controversy involving the alleged activities of the PFIPC and its Director-General, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi.

The call follows a statement by the Presidency, through Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissing allegations against the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. The Presidency had stated that police confirmed Tanimola died in a hotel in Abuja five days before Adeyemi’s arrest.

Reacting, Frank questioned the timing and circumstances of the death, insisting that Nigerians, as well as Tanimola’s family, deserve a full account of what transpired.

He also urged the international community, including the United States, the European Union and other technologically advanced nations, to support efforts to uncover what he described as the truth behind the alleged corruption scandal.

According to Frank, it would have been impossible for an individual to operate an agency, receive government patronage, maintain offices within the Federal Secretariat, obtain budgetary allocations, represent Nigeria at international engagements, and interact with top government officials without backing from the Presidency.

He argued that the agency allegedly operated with official recognition, questioning how it could have opened accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, secured office accommodation, recruited staff and received government allocations if it lacked legal status.

Frank said key government institutions, including the Office of the Chief of Staff, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Budget Office, the National Assembly and security agencies, should provide answers regarding the agency’s operations.

He further alleged that despite claims that PFIPC had no legal existence, information in the public domain indicated that its Director-General allegedly enjoyed official privileges, including police escorts, official vehicles and government accommodation.

Frank also cited media reports claiming that the Tinubu administration approved a waiver in August 2025 for the agency to recruit 300 staff members through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Describing the matter as “monumental corruption of the century,” Frank called on Nigerians, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to demand accountability and transparency.

He further criticised the administration, alleging that the developments reflected poor governance and a lack of oversight, while also faulting the National Assembly for what he described as its failure to effectively perform its constitutional oversight functions.

The Presidency has, however, consistently denied allegations linking the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to any wrongdoing in the matter. The police have also maintained that Tanimola died in a hotel in Abuja before the arrest of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi.

The allegations made by Frank remain his claims and have not been independently verified by this newspaper.