Nigeria’s President Orders Probe into Alleged Fake Agency

Bola Tinubu has ordered a corruption investigation into a fictitious government agency, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), that reportedly took public money worth $950,000 (£700,000).

The presidency claims the appointment letter for the PFIPC director general, issued by chief of staff Femi Gbajabiamila, was forged. Police are now attempting to locate Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who presented himself as the council’s director general, on accusations of forgery, impersonation and related offenses.

Investigators will examine forged official documents, false claims to gain diplomatic support, multiple bank accounts opened under forged credentials, and any public or private entities that facilitated the scheme. The ICPC must finish the report in 30 days, with the president urging the protection of federal integrity against impersonation and abuse of official identity.

Adeyemi, before disappearing, warned local media of his innocence and feared for his life, promising eventually to clear his name in court. The scandal has fueled pressure from civil society, opposition figures and senior lawyers for an independent inquiry into how a non‑existent body gained official legitimacy.

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