Tinubu Directs ICPC to Probe PFIPC, Orders 30-Day Investigation into Fake Agency
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), following revelations that the body was never legally established by the Federal Government. The President has given the anti-graft agency 30 days to complete its investigation and submit a detailed report on the matter.
The directive was disclosed in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, the investigation became necessary after authorities discovered that the PFIPC had been operating despite having no legal foundation, executive approval, presidential instrument or statutory backing. The Presidency described the organisation as a fictitious entity that was never created by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
President Tinubu instructed the ICPC to thoroughly examine every aspect of the council’s activities, including how it allegedly operated, the individuals behind its establishment, and whether any public officials or private individuals collaborated in giving the organisation legitimacy. He also directed that anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law upon the conclusion of the investigation.
According to the Presidency, one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC and falsely claimed to have been appointed by the President. Authorities say he allegedly used forged appointment letters and other fabricated government documents to portray the council as an official federal institution. Investigators believe these documents enabled the organisation to conduct official correspondence and engage with various government agencies and private organisations.
The controversy surrounding the PFIPC has continued to attract national attention after reports emerged that the organisation had written official letters to government institutions, sought office accommodation and presented itself as a legitimate government agency. The scandal has raised concerns over possible weaknesses in administrative procedures that may have allowed the alleged fake council to operate without being detected for an extended period.
The Presidency stressed that the investigation is intended to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud and identify every individual or institution that may have played a role in facilitating the council’s activities. Officials said the exercise would also determine whether forged government documents were used to obtain official recognition or access to public facilities and services.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law, emphasising that no individual would be shielded from investigation if found to have participated in the alleged scheme. The directive reflects the government’s determination to strengthen institutional integrity and prevent the misuse of public offices and government identities for fraudulent purposes.
The ICPC is expected to work with other relevant security and law enforcement agencies in conducting the investigation. The commission will examine documentary evidence, financial records and official communications linked to the PFIPC as part of efforts to uncover the full scope of its operations and establish whether additional offences were committed.
Political analysts say the outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for public sector accountability, particularly if evidence reveals that government systems were exploited to legitimise the activities of a non-existent agency. They also note that the probe presents an opportunity for authorities to review administrative processes and strengthen safeguards against similar incidents in the future.
With the 30-day deadline now in effect, public attention will remain focused on the ICPC’s investigation and the findings it eventually submits to the President. The probe is expected to clarify how the PFIPC allegedly operated, identify those responsible and recommend appropriate legal action where necessary, as the Federal Government seeks to reinforce confidence in Nigeria’s public institutions.
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