Investigation Ordered into Alleged Fake Agency Setup
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has demanded a thorough investigation into allegations that a non-existent government agency was created within his own office, drawing on public funds amounting to approximately $950,000 (£700,000). The presidency has indicated that the establishment of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) was based on a forged document purportedly from the president's chief of staff.
Manhunt for Alleged Impersonator
The police are currently searching for Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who is accused of impersonating the "PFIPC director general." He faces charges of forgery and related offenses. Before going into hiding, Adeyemi claimed innocence in local media, asserting he would appear in court to defend himself. He alleged that senior officials demanded bribes during his purported appointment and later sought to gain control of the council's funds—charges that the presidency has refuted.
Agency's Dubious Establishment
Adeyemi stated that the council was supposedly established in 2024 to attract foreign investments to Nigeria, but no records of any transactions have surfaced. The agency employed a small staff of three, who have been questioned by law enforcement. President Tinubu has tasked the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) with conducting a detailed investigation and providing a report within 30 days.
Forensic Analysis and Legal Proceedings
Forensic analysis by police has reportedly confirmed that the signature on the contentious appointment letter from the president's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, was forged. Legal charges filed in the Federal High Court in Abuja accuse Adeyemi and two others of using falsified documents to form and manage the alleged council, open multiple bank accounts, and seek official recognition for an agency the government insists is nonexistent.
Scope of the Investigation
President Tinubu's directives to the ICPC include examining:
- The use of forged documents to create and operate the council
- Efforts to secure official recognition and diplomatic support through false claims
- The opening of numerous bank accounts with allegedly forged documentation
- The involvement of any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions, or intermediaries who might have facilitated the scheme
Additionally, the investigation aims to identify how the alleged fictitious body attained an appearance of legitimacy and to pinpoint procedural weaknesses within the government that might have been exploited.
Public and Legal Reactions
The situation has attracted significant public scrutiny, with civil society groups, opposition figures, and senior legal professionals calling for an independent investigation. President Tinubu emphasized the need to safeguard the integrity of the presidency and federal institutions against forgery and exploitation of official identities. "All individuals found guilty will be dealt with according to the law," a statement from the president declared.
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