In brief
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive investigation into a purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) that was allegedly created using forged documents. The council secured office space, bank accounts, and a budget of 1.3 bn naira while its Director‑General, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, is now on the police radar for forgery and impersonation. Tinubu instructed the ICPC to probe forged letters, false recognition claims, bank account openings and potential complicity of officials. Public opposition and legal experts call for an independent inquiry to protect institutional integrity. The case underscores vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s public procurement processes.
Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s newly elected president, has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate what he says is an entirely fabricated agency called the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). The government claims that the council, supposedly operating within the president’s office, has received public funds amounting to 1.3 bn naira (about $950,000).
According to the presidency, the appointment letter created by the chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, was forged. Police are searching for Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who has been presenting himself as the council’s Director‑General and is now on the radar for forgery, impersonation and related offences. Adeyemi has recently gone into hiding but insists he is innocent and has promised to appear in court.
Tinubu gave the ICPC a 30‑day deadline to provide a complete report. The investigation will focus on the following claims:
- 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 forged documents.
- Potential involvement of public officers, private individuals, financial institutions or intermediaries.
The president also instructed investigators to examine the broader circumstances that allowed a fictional body to gain the appearance of official legitimacy, and to identify weaknesses in government procedures that may have been exploited.
The scandal has drawn pressure from civil society groups, opposition politicians and senior lawyers who are demanding a truly independent inquiry. Tinubu stated that the integrity of the presidency and federal institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and exploitation of public service weaknesses. “All persons found culpable must be treated strictly in accordance with applicable law,” he added.
For further details on the investigation, please visit the ICPC website at ICPC.gov.ng.
