ABUJA — Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered an anti-corruption probe into a suspected fake government agency that allegedly used forged documents to secure diplomatic visas and open multiple bank accounts.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has been given 30 days to investigate the “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” (PFIPC), which the presidency describes as completely fictitious.
The directive follows a major scandal in Abuja involving the alleged council’s self-proclaimed leader, who recently accused the president’s chief of staff of demanding a multi-billion naira bribe.
‘No basis in law’
In a statement issued on Tuesday, presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga said the decision followed the discovery that the council had never been established by the federal government.
“[The council] has no basis in any law, presidential instrument, executive approval, or other lawful act of government,” Mr. Onanuga said.
He named the principal suspect as Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who is accused of falsely presenting himself as a presidential appointee and the director-general of the body.
Investigators will look into how the group allegedly forged official government documents and appointment letters to gain official recognition, solicit diplomatic support, secure visas, and operate bank accounts under the guise of a state agency.
Bribery allegations
The probe comes amid a fierce public row. On 25 June, Mr. Adeyemi held a press conference where he accused the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, of demanding a 48% share—worth ₦12.5bn (£6.5m)—of a purported ₦27.4bn take-off grant meant for the council.
Mr. Adeyemi further alleged that the chief of staff had received ₦400m through proxies.
Mr. Gbajabiamila has vehemently denied the allegations, maintaining he has never met or had any contact with Mr. Adeyemi. His lawyers have threatened a ₦10bn defamation lawsuit over the claims.
President Tinubu has ordered all government ministries and banks to cooperate fully with the ICPC to identify systemic weaknesses that allowed the alleged scam to operate.
“The integrity of the presidency must be protected against impersonation, forgery, and the abuse of official identity,” the statement added.
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