How I Was Scammed, Says Businessman Who Paid N400m to Embattled PFIPC DG Adeyemi

The Managing Director of Divine Dopacy Nigeria Limited, Gbenga Collins, has narrated before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee how he allegedly lost N400 million after trusting Adeniyi Adeyemi, the embattled Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), over a contract that never materialised.

Collins made the disclosure during the committee’s ongoing investigation into the alleged establishment and operations of the controversial agency.

According to the businessman, he first met Adeyemi during a programme in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, in December 2024. Months later, Adeyemi invited him to Abuja to discuss what he described as a business opportunity.

Collins said he had no reason to doubt Adeyemi’s claims because he was received at the airport by an official vehicle bearing a Federal Government registration number and was taken to an office within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, where he observed security personnel, official vehicles and several prominent visitors.

He told lawmakers that Adeyemi introduced himself as the Director-General of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the PFIPC before offering his company a contract to renovate and furnish what was presented as the official residence allocated to him.

The businessman explained that Adeyemi personally took him to inspect the property and later handed him documents, including a contract award letter, scope of work and an agreement bearing the agency’s name.

Collins alleged that he was instructed to pay N400 million as proof of his company’s financial capacity and to facilitate mobilisation for the project. He subsequently transferred N380 million into a Guaranty Trust Bank account belonging to World Entrepreneurs Limited in several instalments before paying the remaining N20 million into an Access Bank account linked to Sunshine Confectionery and Catering Services.

He said the funds were raised from business associates who trusted him based on his interactions with Adeyemi.

Despite repeated assurances that mobilisation would commence in August 2025, no payment or contract execution followed. After months of failed promises, Collins sought legal advice and later petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

He told the committee that the incident has crippled his business, forced him to sell personal assets and left him indebted to those who contributed money for the project.

The committee disclosed that Adeyemi would be questioned separately to avoid interfering with ongoing investigations by the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Nigeria Police Force.