Finally, Tinubu Orders ICPC to Probe 'Fake' PFIPC Within 30 Days

After a long wait, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to investigate a purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, and all related matters.

The directive was announced Tuesday in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Tinubu ordered the anti-graft agency to conclude its probe and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days. 

According to the Presidency, the PFIPC was “fictitious” and “never established by the Federal Government of Nigeria and has no basis in any law, presidential instrument, executive approval, or other lawful act of Government.”

The statement named Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew as the individual who falsely presented himself as Director-General of the council and claimed to be a presidential appointee.

The ICPC probe will cover:

- Forged appointment letters and other official government documents  

- Use of false claims of presidential appointment to seek official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation  

- Opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents  

- The source and movement of any funds involved  

- The role of any public officer, private individual, financial institution, or intermediary that may have facilitated the scheme  

Background:  

On June 25, Adeyemi, who faces criminal charges over his alleged role in operating the council, held a press conference accusing Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of demanding a 48% share of the council’s alleged N27.4 billion take-off grant, about N12.5 billion. 

He further alleged Gbajabiamila received N400 million through proxies in connection with appointments linked to the entity, and accused him of abuse of office, intimidation of individuals and media organisations, manipulation of budget processes, misuse of security agencies, and participation in a cover-up.

Gbajabiamila, through his lawyer Kemi Pinheiro, denied the allegations. He said he has never had any contact with Adeyemi and has threatened a N10 billion defamation suit over claims linking him to bribery, murder, and other criminal conduct.

Tinubu’s directive:  

The President instructed all ministries, departments, and agencies to provide ICPC with all relevant information and assistance. He asked the commission to identify weaknesses in government procedures that may have been exploited and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence. 

“The integrity of the Presidency and the institutions of the Federal Government must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and the exploitation of weaknesses in the public service,” the statement read. 

Tinubu also directed “that all persons found culpable be treated strictly in accordance with applicable law.”