On July 8, 2026, Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu initiated a corruption investigation regarding allegations that a fictitious government agency was established within his office, with public funding amounting to $950,000. The investigation follows claims that the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) was created using forged documents.
Allegations of Forgery and Impersonation
According to the presidency, a letter from the president's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, which allegedly authorized the PFIPC, was forged. The police are currently searching for Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who claimed to be the council's director general, on charges of forgery and impersonation.
Before disappearing, Adeyemi maintained his innocence, stating that he intended to prove his legal appointment in court. He alleged that senior officials solicited bribes during his appointment process and attempted to misappropriate the council's funds, a claim the presidency has denied.
Investigative Actions and Findings
The PFIPC was reportedly established in 2024 to attract foreign investment to Nigeria, yet no documented deals have emerged. The agency, which had only three staff members, was found to have secured office space in the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and opened bank accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria. However, the Accountant-General's Office confirmed that the PFIPC did not possess an operational account and had not received any public funds.
The presidency has stated that forensic analysis confirmed the signature on the disputed appointment letter was indeed forged. Charges against Adeyemi and two accomplices include using falsified documents to establish and operate the non-existent council.
Public Response and Future Actions
President Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report within 30 days. The inquiry will focus on various allegations, including:
- Forgery of appointment letters and official documents
- Use of false claims for official recognition and visa facilitation
- Opening multiple bank accounts with allegedly forged documents
- Involvement of any public officials or financial institutions in the alleged scheme
The investigation aims to identify how such a fictitious entity gained an appearance of legitimacy and to address any weaknesses in governmental procedures that may have been exploited. The scandal has incited public outcry, prompting civil society organizations and opposition politicians to demand an independent inquiry.
Tinubu emphasized the need to safeguard the integrity of the presidency and federal institutions against impersonation and forgery, stating, "All persons found culpable are to be treated strictly in accordance with applicable law."
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC World. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
