…gives 30-day deadline
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of a purported “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” (PFIPC), describing the body as fictitious and unknown to the Federal Government.
The President ordered the anti-corruption agency to conclude its investigation and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.
According to the Presidency, the PFIPC was never established by the Federal Government and has no legal basis, presidential approval, executive authorisation or any other lawful backing.
The directive followed the discovery that one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the council and falsely claimed to have been appointed by the President.
The Presidency said the ICPC would investigate allegations including the forgery of appointment letters and other government documents, the use of a false claim of presidential appointment to seek official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation, as well as the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents.
President Tinubu also instructed the commission to investigate the roles of other collaborators and examine how the fictitious organisation was able to create the appearance of official legitimacy.
The investigation will also cover the origin and use of the alleged forged documents, the processes through which official recognition or diplomatic support may have been obtained, the operation of related bank accounts, the source and movement of any funds involved, and the roles of any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions or intermediaries who may have facilitated the alleged scheme.
In addition, the President directed the ICPC to identify weaknesses in government and institutional procedures that may have been exploited and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
All ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government have also been directed to cooperate fully with the commission by providing relevant records and information required for the investigation.
