The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has launched a N15 billion defamation lawsuit against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. The legal action follows accusations from Matthew claiming that Gbajabiamila solicited a 48 percent kickback from a N27.3 billion grant meant for a federal agency.
Gbajabiamila is pursuing N10 billion in general damages, N5 billion in aggravated damages, and N200 million for legal expenses. Furthermore, he seeks a court mandate requiring Matthew to issue a public apology and retraction across five national newspapers and all digital platforms where the allegations were shared for a period of 30 days. Represented by Kemi Pinheiro of Pinheiro LP, Gbajabiamila labels the claims as entirely false and malicious.
The lawsuit clarifies that Gbajabiamila has never met, spoken to, or authorized any proxy to act on his behalf regarding these matters. Matthew had alleged that N400 million was paid to a proxy and an additional N200 million was requested for presidential approvals. Matthew also linked his claims to the death of an intermediary, Babatunde Tanimola, and suggested he faced personal danger after uncovering the alleged scheme.
Court records indicate that Matthew is currently facing separate criminal charges for allegedly forging presidential documents and appointment letters. Despite receiving a cease-and-desist notice from Gbajabiamila’s legal team in July 2026, Matthew continued to propagate these claims in media interviews. Gbajabiamila maintains that he is seeking legal recourse to clear his name and protect the integrity of his office, emphasizing that he has never had any professional or personal dealings with the defendant.
