By Tekena Amieyeofori
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has sued Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi for N15 billion at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, over claims that he demanded a 48 per cent kickback from a N27.3 billion take-off grant for a federal agency.
In the suit, Gbajabiamila is claiming N10 billion in general damages and N5 billion in aggravated damages. He is also seeking N200 million to cover legal costs, plus a court order compelling Adeyemi to issue a full retraction and apology in five national dailies.
He further wants the court to direct the defendant to post the apology on all social media platforms and online outlets where the alleged defamatory comments were made, and to keep it up for 30 days.
The suit was filed by his lawyers at Pinheiro LP. The legal team, led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) alongside Folu Oguntade (SAN), Olukayode Enitan (SAN) and Chukwudi Enebeli (SAN), described the allegations as false, malicious and defamatory.
According to the statement of claim, Adeyemi had alleged at a press conference that a disagreement ensued after Gbajabiamila allegedly demanded 48 per cent of the agency’s N27.3 billion take-off fund.
Adeyemi also alleged that N400 million was paid through a proxy said to be representing the Chief of Staff, and that another N200 million was needed to secure presidential approvals.
Gbajabiamila, however, denied any contact with Adeyemi or authorising anyone to act for him.
“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 court filing stated.
The suit also addressed Adeyemi’s claims about the death of Babatunde Tanimola, who he said served as a go-between for him and the Chief of Staff.
Adeyemi alleged that Tanimola died in a hotel fire in Utako, Abuja, on October 22, 2025, a day after Gbajabiamila reportedly petitioned the police.
He further alleged that he survived an attack on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in September 2025, and that a “directive from above” stopped the DSS and the Nigeria Police from recovering his stolen phones, which he said held key evidence.
Court documents show that Gbajabiamila’s lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter dated July 6, 2026, published in THISDAY and other papers on July 7, demanding a prompt retraction and apology.
Instead of retracting, the claimant said Adeyemi went on an interview with social media commentator VeryDarkMan, where he made statements that contradicted his earlier position.
In his witness statement on oath, Gbajabiamila said Adeyemi admitted during the interview that he had never met the Chief of Staff face-to-face, never had a video call with him, and could not independently verify the identity of the person he thought was Gbajabiamila.
The claimant said Adeyemi further admitted that all communication was done through the late Tanimola.
Gbajabiamila also told the court that Adeyemi said he could not confirm whether the Chief of Staff was lying or telling the truth, and that he planned to hand his documents to security agencies for verification.
The filings also noted that Adeyemi is already facing trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/652/2026: Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew & Others, over alleged forgery of presidential documents and appointment letters. The claimant said those documents were the basis of the public allegations against him.
The FCT High Court has ordered Adeyemi, whose address was listed as unknown but is considered within jurisdiction, to enter an appearance within 14 days of service. Failure to do so, the court warned, may lead to judgment in default.
In his witness statement, Gbajabiamila maintained that he had never met Matthew and had no personal, official or professional dealings with him.
He denied demanding any kickback, receiving N400 million through a proxy, asking for an additional N200 million, abusing his office, manipulating security agencies, intimidating media houses, or interfering with investigations involving the defendant.
He also denied directing the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, EFCC, ICPC, or any other agency to harass or probe Adeyemi.
The Chief of Staff further said he had no knowledge of the circumstances around Tanimola’s death or the alleged attempts on Adeyemi’s life.
Gbajabiamila told the court he has built his reputation over years of public service on integrity, honesty and commitment to duty. He noted that while public officials should expect scrutiny, the allegations against him were false claims of corruption, bribery, abuse of office and other crimes.
He said the repeated publication of the allegations sparked widespread discussion and led to enquiries from friends, associates and colleagues in Nigeria and abroad, causing serious damage to his reputation.
Gbajabiamila said he chose not to respond in the media because he believed the court was the right place to settle the matter.
He added that the suit was filed not just to protect his personal name, but also to uphold the integrity and dignity of the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.
Gbajabiamila asked the court to approve all the requests in his suit, saying he was confident the evidence presented would support his claims.