Tinubu Order ICPC to Probe Fake Presidential Council, Give Agency 30 Days

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu don direct the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to carry out a full investigation into the activities of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The President also instructed the anti-corruption agency to conclude the investigation and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.

According to a statement from the Presidency, the so-called PFIPC is not an agency of the Federal Government and was never established by any law, presidential approval, executive order or any legitimate government process.

The Presidency alleged that Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the organisation and claimed he was appointed by President Tinubu.

Forgery, Bank Accounts Under Investigation

President Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate allegations surrounding forged appointment letters and other fake government documents allegedly used by the suspect.

The probe will also cover claims that the fake presidential appointment was used to seek official recognition, diplomatic support and visa facilitation.

The Commission is further expected to investigate the opening of multiple bank accounts allegedly operated in the names of non-existent government agencies using forged documents.

Probe to Cover All Collaborators

The President said the investigation should not focus only on the principal suspect but also on every individual or organisation that may have played any role in the alleged scheme.

According to the directive, the ICPC is expected to examine:

• The origin and use of forged government documents;
• How official recognition or diplomatic support may have been obtained;
• The opening and operation of related bank accounts;
• The source and movement of funds linked to the alleged activities; and
• The involvement of any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions or intermediaries connected to the matter.

Tinubu also instructed the Commission to identify any loopholes within government institutions that may have allowed the alleged fraud to occur and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

MDAs Directed to Cooperate

The President directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government to cooperate fully with the ICPC by providing every necessary document, record and assistance required for the investigation.

Tinubu stressed that the integrity of the Presidency and other government institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and fraudulent activities.

He added that anyone found culpable after the investigation should face the full weight of the law.