Former All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, has called for an independent forensic investigation into the death of Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, the man identified as an intermediary in the alleged appointment and bribery scandal involving the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Frank, in a statement issued on Friday, said the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death must be thoroughly investigated, arguing that his passing came at a critical time when his testimony could have shed light on allegations linked to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
His demand follows a statement from the Presidency, signed by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, which dismissed allegations against the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over the activities of the PFIPC and its Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi.
Responding to the Presidency’s position, Frank noted that government officials had stated police confirmed Tanimola died in a hotel in Abuja five days before Adeyemi’s arrest. He insisted that the official explanation alone was insufficient, stressing that a forensic investigation was necessary to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the death.
According to Frank, Tanimola allegedly served as a key intermediary between Adeyemi and individuals connected to the appointment and bribery allegations. He argued that uncovering the truth behind his death is vital for accountability and public confidence in ongoing investigations.
The political activist also appealed to the international community, including the United States, the European Union, and other technologically advanced nations, to support efforts aimed at uncovering what he described as a major corruption scandal in Nigeria.
Frank questioned how an agency allegedly lacking legal backing could have operated openly within government institutions. He claimed it would have been impossible for such an organisation to secure office space at the Federal Secretariat, maintain a Central Bank account, receive government allocations, recruit staff, participate in international engagements and enjoy official security protection without high-level approval.
He further urged the Office of the Chief of Staff, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Budget Office, the National Assembly and relevant security agencies to provide answers regarding the operations of the PFIPC. Frank also referenced reports claiming the agency received approval in August 2025 to recruit 300 staff members, saying such claims require full public clarification.
The Presidency has continued to deny any wrongdoing, maintaining that allegations linking top government officials to the PFIPC controversy are unfounded.
