In brief
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into the creation of a fictitious agency, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, within his office. The council allegedly amassed almost one million dollars in public money through forged appointment letters and bank accounts. Police are hunting Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who was named the council’s director but denied wrongdoing. Tinubu has instructed the ICPC to probe forgery, misuse of funds, and systemic weaknesses that allowed the scheme to flourish. The scandal has sparked calls from civil society and opposition for an independent inquiry.
Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian president, has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a full inquiry into the alleged creation of a fictitious government agency within his own office. The agency, named the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), reportedly received nearly one million United States dollars in public funding.
According to presidential authorities, a letter from the president’s chief of staff, forging a creation of the PFIPC, has been fabricated. The police are now searching for Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who has been presented as the council’s director‑general and is suspected of forgery, impersonation and related offences.
Matthew, prior to going into hiding, said he was innocent but feared for his life. He also promised to appear in court to clear his name, claiming that the body was lawfully established. He accused senior officials of demanding bribes during the appointment process and later attempting to wrest control of the council’s funds. The presidency has denied these allegations.
A survey of the PFIPC’s history shows that it began in 2024 with the aim of attracting foreign investment, though no actual deals have been recorded. The council reportedly employs only three staff members, all of whom have been questioned by police.
Tinubu has directed the ICPC to investigate forgery of official documents, misuse of bank accounts and the broader circumstances that allowed the council to appear legitimate, and to identify weaknesses in public service procedures that were allegedly exploited.
Public pressure from civil society, opposition politicians and senior lawyers has intensified, demanding an independent inquiry into the matter.
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. He added that anyone found culpable will be dealt with strictly according to the law.
