The alleged Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, Adeniyi Adeyemi, has claimed he borrowed N400 million to finance the processing of his appointment as head of the organisation.

Adeyemi made the disclosure during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on July 13.

His remarks come ahead of his scheduled arraignment later today after the Nigeria Police filed multiple charges against him, including forgery and impersonation, over his alleged role in operating the purported government agency.

Responding to questions from Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye on how he financed his alleged appointment, Adeyemi said he secured a N400 million loan, which he claimed was used to process his appointment as Director-General of the PFIPC—an organisation the Federal Government maintains does not exist.

“I borrowed this money. In fact, those that I borrowed this N400 million from have reported to the EFCC. I borrowed this money to pay for this appointment,” he said.

He further stated that the individuals who lent him the money have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, seeking repayment of the loan.

“In fact, as I tell you, they have also written to the EFCC asking me to refund their money. So I’m not even yet to pay the money back. I borrowed this money,” he added.

Adeyemi also dismissed reports that he was seeking political asylum in the United States, insisting he remains in Nigeria and has no intention of leaving the country.

“I read it the same way everyone else did. I ignored it because a lot of people have been sponsored to attack my social media. I’m still in Nigeria. I’m not going anywhere.”

His comments came in response to reports that Von-Batten Montague-York, a United States-based law firm, had expressed its willingness to assist him in seeking political asylum in the U.S. The proposal was contained in a series of social media posts by the firm’s chairman, Dr. Von Batten, who urged U.S. authorities to consider granting Adeyemi asylum.

Adeyemi also challenged the government’s account of the controversy, alleging that coordinated attacks had been launched against him. He argued that it was implausible for a single individual to have manipulated multiple government institutions without assistance.

“It is unfortunate and embarrassing that the government is claiming that one man manoeuvred the whole system. The attacks against me have been sponsored,” he lamented.

The controversy surrounding the alleged PFIPC escalated after Adeyemi disputed the Presidency’s claim that the agency never existed.

He accused the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of making contradictory statements regarding both the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.