A fake agency within the Nigerian presidency? How did the story begin and why did Tinubu order an investigation?
Investigations extend to forged documents, bank accounts, and alleged diplomatic support
Written by: Mohammed Omran
Despite tight procedures surrounding government institutions, a case in Nigeria has sparked widespread controversy after authorities revealed the existence of a fictitious entity that impersonated an official presidency agency, using forged documents and claims of presidential assignment to obtain official recognition and support.
Nigerian President orders investigation into ghost agency within the presidency within 30 days
In a move reflecting the seriousness of the incident, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to open an investigation into the activities of the so-called ”Presidential Committee on Foreign Intervention Stimulation” (PFIPC), after it was discovered to be a phantom entity with no legal basis, presidential approval, or formal establishment by the Nigerian government.
Investigations extend to forged documents, bank accounts, and alleged diplomatic support
Tinubu directed the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission to conclude the investigation within 30 days, submitting a comprehensive report of the findings.
According to a statement issued by the Special Advisor to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, a person named Adiniyi Ademi Matthew presented himself as the Director General of the PFIPC, falsely claiming to have been appointed by the President.
The statement clarified that the committee will investigate allegations of forgery of appointment letters and other government documents related to the phantom council, while reports indicate that Matthew, who is wanted by the police, has disappeared from sight, but he denies any wrongdoing and has pledged to appear in court to defend his integrity.
The statement also added that the investigation will also cover allegations of using the fake presidential appointment to obtain official recognition, diplomatic support, and to facilitate visa procedures.
The committee will also investigate allegations related to opening multiple bank accounts in the names of alleged government agencies using forged documents, as well as examine the circumstances that allowed the fictitious entity to appear official.
The investigation will also include tracing the source and use of forged official documents, the mechanisms through which recognition or diplomatic support was sought or obtained, as well as reviewing the operation of relevant bank accounts, and investigating the source and movement of any funds linked to the alleged scheme.
The Nigerian President also directed the committee to investigate whether any government officials, individuals, financial institutions, or intermediaries facilitated or participated in these activities, as well as to identify any shortcomings in government procedures that may have been exploited, with recommendations to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.
Tinubu also directed all ministries, departments, and government agencies to cooperate fully with the committee by providing all relevant records and information required to complete the investigation.
The Nigerian President, according to the statement, affirmed that the integrity of the presidency and state institutions must remain protected from impersonation, forgery, and the abuse of official authority, stressing the need to prosecute everyone proven to be involved in this matter in accordance with the law.
