President Bola Tinubu Orders Investigation into Fake Agency Allegations
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has mandated a thorough investigation into claims that a fictitious government agency was established within his office, reportedly receiving public funds amounting to $950,000 (£700,000).
The presidency disclosed that the letter purportedly from the president's chief of staff, authorizing the creation of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), was forged.
The police have initiated a manhunt for Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who has been impersonating the "PFIPC director general," on charges including forgery, impersonation, and related offenses.
Prior to going into hiding, Adeyemi told local media he was innocent and expressed fear for his life. He also pledged to appear in court to clear his name.
Adeyemi stated that the council was established in 2024 with the aim of attracting foreign investment to Nigeria, although there is no record of any deals having been concluded.
Presidential Directive to ICPC and Forensic Findings
On Tuesday, President Tinubu instructed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct an investigation and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.
Pidgin's inquiries revealed that the agency had secured office space within the Federal Secretariat, the extensive government complex housing many Nigerian ministries in Abuja, opened bank accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, and was listed in the 2026 Appropriation Act with an allocation of 1.3 billion naira ($950,000; £700,000).
The presidency stated that police forensic analysis confirmed the signature of the president's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, on the disputed appointment letter was forged.
Legal Charges and Allegations
According to charges filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Adeyemi and two other defendants are accused of using forged official documents to establish and operate the purported council, opening multiple bank accounts in its name, and seeking official recognition for an agency the government asserts does not exist.
President Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate various allegations, including:
- Forged appointment letters and official government documents;
- Use of false claims to seek official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation;
- Opening of multiple bank accounts using allegedly forged documents; and
- The role of any public officer, private individual, financial institution, or intermediary that may have facilitated the alleged scheme.
Broader Inquiry and Public Response
The president also ordered investigators to examine the broader circumstances that allowed an allegedly fictitious body to acquire the appearance of official legitimacy, and to identify procedural weaknesses within government systems that may have been exploited.
The scandal has generated increasing public pressure from civil society organizations, opposition politicians, and senior lawyers who have called for an independent inquiry.
"The integrity of the presidency and federal institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and the exploitation of weaknesses in the public service," the president stated.
"All persons found culpable are to be treated strictly in accordance with applicable law," the statement added.
Additional reporting was contributed by Adesola Abisoye in Lagos.
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