President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate a fake organisation known as the “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” (PFIPC).
The Presidency said the group was never established by the Federal Government and has no legal backing, presidential approval, or official recognition.
“The fictitious PFIPC was never established by the Federal Government of Nigeria and has no basis in any law, presidential instrument, executive approval, or other lawful act of Government,” the Presidency said.
The probe follows allegations that Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the organisation’s Director-General and claimed to be a presidential appointee.
The ICPC has been asked to investigate alleged forgery, impersonation, fraudulent representation, and the use of fake government documents.
The commission will also examine claims that forged appointment letters were used to seek official recognition, diplomatic support, visa facilitation, and open bank accounts in the names of non-existent government agencies.
“The President directed the ICPC to investigate not only the conduct of the principal individual and other collaborators involved but also the wider circumstances that may have enabled a fictitious body and a false claim of presidential appointment to acquire an appearance of official legitimacy,” the statement added.
Tinubu also ordered a review of government processes to identify loopholes that may have allowed the alleged scheme to operate.
“The integrity of the Presidency and the institutions of the Federal Government must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and the exploitation of weaknesses in the public service,” the President said.
All federal ministries, departments, and agencies have been directed to provide the ICPC with relevant records and assistance to complete the investigation.
The Presidency said anyone found culpable will face legal consequences, adding that the ICPC must submit its report within 30 days.