In brief
President Bola Tinubu has launched a full investigation into a fictitious body, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, claiming it received nearly $950,000 from the state. Police are hunting Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who portrayed himself as the agency’s head and now hides, insisting he was innocent and that bribes were demanded. The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission must submit a detailed report within 30 days, examining forged documents, false claims for recognition and the opening of multiple bank accounts. Civil society and opposition voices demand a broader inquiry into how the agency gained legitimacy. The case underscores concerns about corruption and misuse of public funds in Nigeria.
Bola Tinubu has ordered a full investigation into a bogus agency set up in his office, alleged to have attracted $950,000 in public funds.
The agency, dubbed the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, was supposedly created by a forged letter from the president’s chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Authorities are seeking Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who claimed to be the council’s director general and now has entered a fugitive status. He maintains innocence and alleges that senior officials demanded bribes during his appointment.
The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) was instructed to investigate the forged documents, the use of false claims for official recognition, and the opening of multiple bank accounts under the council’s name. A comprehensive report is due within 30 days.
The scandal has pressured civil society groups, opposition politicians and senior lawyers to call for an independent inquiry into how the fictitious body gained an appearance of legitimacy.
President Tinubu stresses that the presidency and federal institutions must be shielded from impersonation, forgery and exploitation of public‑service weaknesses.
(Additional reporting by Adesola Abisoye in Lagos)
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