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President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Independent Commission on Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses to launch a thorough investigation into the activities of the so-called Presidential Council for the Promotion of Foreign Intervention after authorities found that the body was never established by the federal government.
The President ordered the anti-corruption agency to conclude its investigation within 30 days and submit a detailed report, describing the matter as a serious case of alleged identity theft, forgery and abuse of government identity.
A fictitious agency discovered
According to a State House statement released Tuesday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential Council for the Promotion of Foreign Intervention has no legal existence and was never created by any law, executive approval, presidential instrument or other legitimate act of government.
The Presidency said the discovery raised concerns about how the non-existent agency would operate by presenting itself as an official government institution.
Fake DG, falsified documents
The statement identifies one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew as the individual who allegedly posed as the Director General of the council and falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee.
President Tinubu has tasked the ICPC to investigate the alleged use of forged appointment letters and other official government documents, as well as attempts to gain official recognition, diplomatic support and visa facilitation through false declaration of presidential appointment.
Investigators are also expected to determine whether other individuals or organizations collaborated in the alleged scheme.
Bank accounts and funds under investigation
The investigation will extend into the alleged opening and management of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using forged documents.
The ICPC was also tasked with tracing the source and movement of any funds linked to the activities and determining whether public officials, private individuals, financial institutions or intermediaries played a role in facilitating the alleged operation.
MDAs have been ordered to cooperate
President Tinubu has directed all ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to provide the ICPC with all relevant documentation and necessary assistance to ensure that the investigation is completed within the stipulated 30-day period.
It also asked the Commission to identify weaknesses in government procedures that may have been exploited and to recommend urgent measures to prevent similar abuses in the future.
The president promises responsibility
The President said the integrity of the Presidency and institutions of the federal government must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and other fraudulent practices capable of undermining public confidence.
He ordered that anyone found guilty upon completion of the investigation must be prosecuted in accordance with the law, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accountability and the protection of public institutions.
