President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of a fictitious group known as the “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council,” PFIPC, and all persons connected to it.
The President issued the directive on Wednesday, mandating that the ICPC conclude its investigation and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days. The order followed the discovery that the Federal Government never established the PFIPC and has no basis in law, presidential instrument, executive approval, or any lawful act of government.
Allegations against the Group
According to the State House, one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew presented himself as the Director-General of the so-called PFIPC and falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee.
The ICPC is to investigate several issues, including forged appointment letters and other official government documents, the use of false claims of presidential appointment to obtain official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation, and the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents.
Scope of the Probe
President Tinubu directed the Commission to probe not only the principal individual and other collaborators, but also the wider circumstances that allowed a fictitious body to acquire an appearance of official legitimacy.
The investigation will cover the source and use of false official documents, how official recognition or diplomatic support was sought, the operation of related bank accounts, movement of funds, and the role of any public officer, private individual, financial institution, or intermediary who may have facilitated the scheme.
The President also asked the ICPC to identify weaknesses in government procedures that may have been exploited and to recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
Government’s Reaction
All Ministries, Departments and Agencies have been directed to provide the ICPC with all relevant information and assistance to ensure the investigation is completed expeditiously.
In a statement signed by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the integrity of the Presidency and federal institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery, and abuse of official identity.
He directed that all persons found culpable be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The PFIPC controversy came to light after reports that over N1.3 billion linked to the body was captured in the 2026 budget framework, prompting an ongoing probe by the House of Representatives.
