Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered two additional fictitious government agencies linked to the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), deepening an investigation ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The ICPC said its investigation found that the PFIPC had no legal backing and that Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who presented himself as the council’s director-general, was never appointed by the Federal Government or any authorised government institution. The commission also said documents allegedly used to support the agency’s existence were forged.
According to ICPC Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu, investigators identified the additional bodies as the Foreign Capital and Wealth Investment Promotion Agency (FCWIPA) and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency/Public-Private Partnership (FIPA-PPP).
The commission said forged legislative instruments were allegedly used to give the agencies an appearance of legitimacy and facilitate the opening of commercial bank accounts.
The investigation also found that the PFIPC allegedly appropriated the identity and office space of the defunct Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC). Investigators said the scheme involved impersonation, false representation and the alleged use of forged government documents.
President Tinubu had earlier directed the ICPC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the PFIPC and submit its report within 30 days. The Presidency said the organisation had never been established by law, executive order, presidential instrument or any other valid government authority. (“statehouse.gov.ng” (https://statehouse.gov.ng/president-tinubu-orders-icpc-to-investigate-presidential-foreign-intervention-promotion-council/))
The president also ordered investigators to examine alleged forged appointment letters and official documents, the use of claims of presidential appointment to obtain recognition or diplomatic support, related bank accounts and the movement of any funds.
The ICPC said the investigation also exposed weaknesses within government ministries, departments and agencies that may have allowed the alleged scheme to gain an appearance of official legitimacy. The commission has recommended prosecution of the alleged promoter as it moves toward the next stage of the case.
The findings have intensified scrutiny of Nigeria’s public-sector verification and oversight systems, particularly how individuals and organisations can gain access to government facilities, official documents and financial channels without proper authorization.
Authorities are expected to continue investigating the individuals and institutions allegedly connected to the scheme, while the ICPC works on measures aimed at preventing similar abuses in the future.
Swifteradio.com