Presidential Directive to Anti-Corruption Agency
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the body as fictitious. The directive was announced in a statement by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday.
The Presidency stated that the PFIPC was never created by the Federal Government and has no legal basis, executive approval, or presidential authorisation. The ICPC has been given 30 days to conclude its investigation and submit a comprehensive report.
Alleged Fraud and Forged Documents
The investigation will focus on allegations that Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely claimed to be the council's Director-General and a presidential appointee. Investigators will examine alleged forged appointment letters and government documents, claims of presidential appointment used to obtain official recognition and diplomatic support—including visa facilitation—and the opening of bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents.
The Presidency said the probe will also examine the movement of any funds linked to the alleged scheme and determine whether any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions, or intermediaries facilitated or participated in the activities.
Preventive Measures and Cooperation
In addition, the ICPC has been directed to identify weaknesses in government procedures that may have enabled the alleged fraud and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents. President Tinubu instructed all federal ministries, departments, and agencies to cooperate fully with the investigation, stressing that the integrity of the Presidency and government institutions must be protected from impersonation, forgery, and abuse of official identity. He directed that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Background of Allegations
The directive follows allegations made in June by Adeyemi, who is facing criminal charges over his alleged role in operating the council. During a press conference, he accused the President's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, of demanding a share of the council's alleged take-off grant and receiving money through proxies in connection with appointments.
Gbajabiamila, through his lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, has denied all the allegations, stating that he has never had any dealings with Adeyemi. He has threatened legal action, including a ₦10 billion defamation suit, over the claims.
