Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the body as a fictitious organisation with no legal or official backing.
According to the directive, the ICPC is to conclude its investigation and submit a comprehensive report to the President within 30 days.
The Presidency stated that the PFIPC was never established by the Federal Government and has no basis in any law, presidential directive, executive approval, or other lawful instrument of government.
The investigation follows allegations that Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the purported council and claimed to be a presidential appointee.
President Tinubu directed the anti-corruption agency to investigate allegations including the forgery of appointment letters and other official government documents, the use of false claims of presidential appointment to seek 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.
Beyond the conduct of the principal suspect and any collaborators, the President instructed the ICPC to examine the broader circumstances that may have enabled the fictitious body to appear legitimate. The investigation will also scrutinise the origin and use of allegedly false official documents, attempts to secure official recognition or diplomatic support, the establishment and operation of related bank accounts, the movement of funds, and the possible involvement of any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions, intermediaries, or other entities linked to the alleged scheme.
The President further directed the Commission to identify institutional weaknesses that may have been exploited and recommend immediate measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
All Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government have been instructed to cooperate fully with the ICPC by providing all relevant information, records, and assistance required for the timely completion of the investigation.
President Tinubu reaffirmed that the integrity of the Presidency and all government institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity, and any attempt to exploit weaknesses within the public service. He also directed that anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law in accordance with applicable legal provisions.
