By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) into the operations of a fictitious entity styling itself as the “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” (PFIPC), which appears to have impersonated official government structures to pursue personal gain.
In a directive issued today, the President instructed the anti-graft agency to conclude its probe and submit a detailed report within 30 days.
The move comes after authorities uncovered that no such council was ever established by the Federal Government, nor does it derive legitimacy from any law, executive order, or presidential instrument.
Central to the investigation is one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the phantom council and falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee.
The ICPC has been tasked with examining forged appointment letters and other purported official documents, the use of these forgeries to solicit diplomatic recognition and visa facilitation, and the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of fake government agencies.
“The investigation is to examine the provenance and use of false official documents; the processes through which official recognition or diplomatic support may have been sought or obtained; the opening and operation of any related bank accounts; the source and movement of any funds involved; and the role of any public officer, private individual, financial institution, intermediary or other person or entity that may have facilitated, enabled or participated in the alleged scheme,” the statement from the Presidency said.
President Tinubu further directed the ICPC to probe not only the principal actors and their collaborators but also the systemic vulnerabilities that allowed the fake entity to project an aura of official legitimacy.
The Commission is expected to identify weaknesses in government procedures and recommend urgent safeguards to prevent similar impersonations in the future.
All ministries, departments, and agencies have been instructed to extend full cooperation to the ICPC, providing relevant records and assistance as lawfully requested.
In a firm declaration of intent, the President emphasized the need to safeguard the integrity of the Presidency and federal institutions against forgery, identity abuse, and exploitation of public service gaps. “All persons found culpable,” he directed, “be treated strictly in accordance with applicable law.”
The statement was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
