Nigeria's President Tinubu Orders Corruption Probe into Alleged Fake Agency Run by Adeyemi

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has ordered the country's anti-corruption commission to investigate allegations that Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew created a fictitious government agency that obtained nearly $950,000 in public funding through forged documents. Police have launched a manhunt for Adeyemi, who operated the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council from within the federal capital. The scandal has raised questions about document security and oversight within the presidency.

The Alleged Scheme

Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew presented himself as director-general of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, claiming the body was established to attract foreign investment to Nigeria. According to investigators, the agency secured office space within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, opened bank accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, and appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act with an allocation of 1.3 billion naira—approximately $950,000 in United States currency and £700,000 in British pounds.

Police forensic analysis concluded that the signature of the president's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, on the appointment letter authorising the council had been forged. Adeyemi and two other defendants now face charges in the Federal High Court in Abuja for using false official documents to establish and operate the agency, opening multiple bank accounts in its name, and seeking government recognition for an entity that the presidency maintains does not exist.

Adeyemi's Response and Claims

Before disappearing from public view, Adeyemi told local media outlets that he was innocent and feared for his safety. He promised to appear in court to contest the charges, insisting that the council was lawfully established. Adeyemi alleged that senior government officials had demanded bribes during his appointment process and later attempted to seize control of the council's funds—accusations the presidency has firmly denied.

The alleged council employed three staff members, all of whom have been questioned by police. However, the Accountant-General's Office has stated that the council never operated an account with the central bank and received no public funds or salaries from government sources.

Presidential Response and Investigation Timeline

President Tinubu's decision to order a formal investigation marks the first time he has publicly addressed the matter. On Tuesday, he directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the agency's activities and submit findings within 30 days. The presidency's special adviser on information and strategy confirmed that the federal government has never established such an office and that Tinubu issued no appointment to Adeyemi.

The investigation underscores the presidency's determination to protect the integrity of government institutions against impersonation and document forgery, according to official statements.