Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has initiated a comprehensive corruption investigation following allegations that a bogus government agency was established within his own office. The purported entity, named the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), is accused of having secured public funding totalling approximately £700,000 and even obtaining office space in the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, the nation's capital.
The presidency has stated that a letter from the president's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, supposedly creating the PFIPC, was forged. Forensic analysis by the police has reportedly confirmed the signature on this crucial appointment letter to be inauthentic. Authorities have launched a nationwide manhunt for Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who presented himself as the PFIPC's director general, facing charges of forgery, impersonation, and related offences.
Mr Adeyemi, who has since gone into hiding, previously told local media that he is innocent and fears for his life. He maintains that the council was lawfully established in 2024 with the aim of attracting foreign investment to Nigeria, and has promised to appear in court to clear his name. He has also accused senior government officials of demanding bribes during his appointment process and later attempting to seize control of the council's funds, allegations which the presidency has vehemently denied.
Despite appearing in the 2026 Appropriation Act with an allocation, the Accountant-General's Office asserts that the PFIPC never had an operational account with the Central Bank of Nigeria and has not received any public funds or salaries. Police have questioned the three individuals who were employed by the alleged agency. President Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter thoroughly and submit a detailed report within 30 days.
The presidential directive mandates the ICPC to investigate various aspects, including the use of forged documents, false claims for official recognition and diplomatic support, the opening of multiple bank accounts, and the potential involvement of any public officer, private individual, or financial institution. The investigation will also examine the systemic weaknesses that may have allowed an allegedly fictitious body to gain an appearance of official legitimacy, with President Tinubu emphasising the need to protect the integrity of federal institutions and ensure that all culpable parties are dealt with according to law. The scandal has led to calls for an independent inquiry from civil society organisations, opposition politicians, and senior lawyers.