Arrest of Alleged Fake Agency Leader in Nigeria
Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who was on the run for several weeks, has been arrested in connection with a fraudulent government agency purportedly established under the Nigerian president's office. The arrest took place in Osun State, located in the south-western region of the country. Matthew had been claiming the title of director general for the so-called Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Background and Arrest Details
The Federal High Court in Abuja issued a warrant for his arrest after Matthew did not attend a scheduled court appearance. The charges he faces include forgery and impersonation. This high-profile case has attracted significant attention in Nigeria, especially after President Bola Tinubu initiated a corruption probe into the alleged agency.
Details on the arrest remain limited, but it has been confirmed that the Force Intelligence Department and the Intelligence Response Team were involved in capturing Matthew. He is expected to be transported to Abuja’s police headquarters for further interrogation.
Investigation and Allegations
The pursuit of Matthew began when allegations regarding the PFIPC surfaced. Tinubu’s office declared that an official-looking letter purportedly establishing the agency was fraudulent. A forensic investigation revealed that the signature of Femi Gbajabiamila, the president's chief of staff, on the document was forged. The scandal has led various civil society groups, opposition figures, and legal experts to demand an independent investigation.
In media interviews, Matthew has insisted on his innocence. He claimed his life was in danger but promised to attend court to defend himself. However, his absence at the recent hearing was noted, with his lawyer, Genesis Francis, explaining that Matthew feared for his safety. Francis mentioned that Matthew had addressed his concerns in an open letter to President Tinubu.
Claims of Legitimacy and Discrepancies
Matthew previously asserted that the PFIPC was established in 2024 to boost foreign investment in Nigeria. However, there is no evidence of any successful investment deals. The agency reportedly secured office space within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and opened accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria. It was even listed in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a budget of 1.3 billion naira (approximately $950,000).
Nevertheless, the Accountant-General's Office clarified that the PFIPC never held an account with the central bank nor received any public funds. Court documents indicate that Matthew and two associates are accused of using forged documents to operate the council, open bank accounts, and seek official recognition for the non-existent agency.
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