In brief
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate how a fictitious agency, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), was created in his office and secured public money. A manhunt for the supposed director, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, has been launched following claims that his appointment letter was forged. The investigation will cover forged documents, illegal bank accounts, and the exploitation of governmental procedures, with a full report due within 30 days.
Nigeria's president has ordered a corruption investigation into allegations that a fictitious government agency was set up within his own office, complete with public funding worth $950,000 (£700,000).
The president’s chief of staff allegedly forged a letter that created the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). Police are now searching for Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who claimed to be the council’s director-general but is being accused of forgery, impersonation and related offences.
Adeyemi fled but told local media he was innocent and would appear in court. President Bola Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate within 30 days, demanding a comprehensive report on the scheme.
Investigations will look at:
- Forged appointment letters and official documents.
- Use of false claims for official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation.
- Opening multiple bank accounts using forged documents.
- Roles of public officers, private individuals, banks or intermediaries that may have facilitated the alleged scheme.
- Weaknesses in government procedures that allowed the fictitious body to appear legitimate.
Civil society organisations, opposition politicians and lawyers have demanded an independent inquiry. Tinubu says the presidency and federal institutions must guard against impersonation, forgery and exploitation of public service weaknesses.
Additional reporting by Adesola Abisoye in Lagos
