In brief
Bola Tinubu has ordered a corruption investigation against a fake government body called the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), allegedly forged with his chief of staff’s signature and funded by 1.3bn naira. The Police are seeking the head, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who disappeared after claiming innocence. The ICPC must examine forged documents, bank accounts and the governmental lapses that allowed the council to masquerade as official, while civil society calls for an independent inquiry. The case highlights concerns about corruption and impersonation within Nigeria’s federal institutions.
Nigeria's President Scrutinises Alleged Fake Agency Created in His Office
Bola Tinubu has ordered a corruption investigation into the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), a body that the presidency claims never existed.
The PFIPC was allegedly set up in Tinubu’s office and backed by 1.3 bn naira (about US$950,000). A letter signed by the chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, is said to have been forged to establish the council.
Police are actively searching for Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who once presented himself as the council’s Director‑General and is now hiding after claiming he was wrongfully accused. He has promised to appear in court to defend his name.
The president instructed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the forged documents, bank accounts opened in the council’s name, and the broader systemic weaknesses that enabled the fictitious body to appear official.
The investigation must be finished within 30 days. Pressure has built from civil society groups, opposition figures and senior lawyers demanding an independent audit of the case.
Tinubu emphasized protecting the integrity of federal institutions against impersonation, forgery and abuse of official identities, warning that all culpable persons will be treated strictly under the law.
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