Wayne Lumbasi
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive investigation into an alleged fraud scheme involving a fake government agency that reportedly operated while claiming to be part of the Presidency, raising serious questions about how unauthorized individuals were able to impersonate one of the country’s highest offices.
The investigation follows the arrest of a suspect accused of creating and running an organization known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), an entity authorities say was never established by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
According to the Presidency, the PFIPC had no constitutional or legal basis and was neither created by an Act of Parliament nor through an executive order or presidential directive. Despite this, investigators allege that the organization presented itself as an official government institution responsible for facilitating foreign investment and international development partnerships on behalf of the Presidency.
President Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged operation. The anti corruption agency has been instructed to establish how the organization was created, identify everyone involved, determine whether government systems were compromised, and recommend appropriate legal action. The Presidency has reportedly requested that the investigation be completed within 30 days.
Authorities allege that the main suspect, identified as Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, falsely claimed to be the Director General of the PFIPC and represented himself as a presidential appointee. Investigators say he allegedly used forged government documents, appointment letters, official seals, and other materials designed to convince individuals and organizations that the council was a legitimate federal institution operating directly under the Presidency.
The investigation has also uncovered what officials describe as an extensive financial network linked to the alleged scheme. Authorities say they have traced 34 bank accounts believed to be connected to the suspect, including accounts reportedly opened in the names of fictitious government agencies. Financial investigators are now examining whether the accounts were used to solicit money, receive unauthorized payments, or facilitate fraudulent transactions under the guise of official government business.
The scandal has prompted concerns about weaknesses in institutional verification systems and the ease with which forged government documents may have been used to deceive members of the public, businesses, and potential foreign investors. Investigators are expected to determine whether any public officials knowingly assisted the alleged operation or whether the suspects acted independently while exploiting the names of senior government offices.
The Presidency has emphasized that the PFIPC was never recognized as a government agency and warned the public to verify the authenticity of any institution claiming to operate under the office of the President. Officials said the government remains committed to protecting the integrity of public institutions and ensuring that individuals who misuse the authority of the Presidency are held accountable.
The ICPC is expected to examine documentary evidence, financial records, electronic communications, and witness statements as part of its investigation. If the allegations are substantiated, those involved could face charges including forgery, impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence, conspiracy, and other corruption related offences under Nigerian law.
RELATED:
