ICPC Uncovers Two More Fake Agencies in PFIPC Probe

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered two more fake government agencies while investigating the activities of the self-acclaimed Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Matthew Adeyemi.

The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, disclosed the latest findings on Thursday after presenting the commission’s interim investigation report to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He said the probe confirmed that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government and that the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council was never established through any law or executive order.

According to Aliyu, the appointment letter presented by Adeyemi was forged, while the PFIPC had no legal backing to operate as a government agency.

The commission also found that the fake agency occupied the offices and facilities previously used by the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), where it allegedly carried out unlawful activities, including false representation and impersonation.

Aliyu said investigators uncovered two additional fake agencies operating under forged documents. They were identified as the FCT Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA).

He explained that the two agencies were created with forged legislative documents and used to open bank accounts for illegal activities.

The ICPC chairman further disclosed that Adeyemi allegedly changed the name of the fake agency from the Foreign Investment Promotion Council to the Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and attempted to broaden its operations to include revenue generation.

The investigation, however, found no evidence that any government funds were approved or released to the fake agency.

Aliyu also said there was no indication of security failures within the State House or the Central Bank of Nigeria that enabled the agency’s activities.

According to the report, the investigation identified collaborators from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General, the Budget Office and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The commission recommended the prosecution of Adeyemi, disciplinary action against public officials who allegedly assisted the illegal operation, and reforms to strengthen internal controls across government institutions.

Aliyu described the report submitted to President Tinubu as an interim report, adding that investigations are continuing to uncover more details and prepare criminal charges against Adeyemi and any other individuals found to have played a role in the alleged scheme.

He added that President Tinubu acknowledged the findings and restated his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.