Politics 8 July 2026 Nile Post

Nigeria's President Tinubu Orders Probe into Fake Agency Operating Within Presidential Office

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has initiated a corruption investigation into allegations of a non-existent government agency being established within his own office, complete with substantial public funding. The investigation aims to uncover how the fake body, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), managed to secure office space and funding. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/354757/nigerias-president-demands-to-know-how-fake-agency-was-set-up-in-his-office

A significant scandal has erupted in Nigeria’s seat of power, with President Bola Tinubu ordering a thorough investigation into the alleged creation of a fictitious government agency operating within the presidential office. The agency, identified as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), is accused of obtaining office space, opening bank accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, and even securing an allocation of 1.3 billion naira (approximately $950,000) in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

Central to the controversy is a forged letter purportedly from the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, which is said to have been used to establish the PFIPC. The presidency asserts that forensic analysis has confirmed the signature on the appointment letter as a forgery. The police have launched a manhunt for Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who identified himself as the “PFIPC director general.”

Matthew, who is now in hiding, maintains his innocence, fearful for his life and claiming that senior government officials demanded bribes during his appointment and later sought to seize the council’s funds. He insists the council was lawfully established in 2024 to attract foreign investment, although no deals have been recorded. A staff of three from the PFIPC have been questioned by the police.

President Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a comprehensive probe and submit a report within 30 days. The investigation will scrutinize forged documents, false claims for official recognition, the opening of multiple bank accounts, and the involvement of any public officials or private individuals in facilitating the alleged scheme. Authorities are also examining procedural weaknesses that may have allowed such a body to gain apparent legitimacy.

This incident has drawn sharp criticism from civil society organizations, opposition figures, and legal professionals, who are demanding an independent inquiry. President Tinubu emphasized the need to protect the integrity of the presidency and federal institutions against impersonation and forgery, vowing strict legal action against all found culpable.