President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch a full-scale investigation into the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), declaring that the body has no legal existence or recognition by the Federal Government.
The President ordered the anti-corruption agency to conclude its investigation within 30 days and submit a comprehensive report.
The directive, conveyed in a State House statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, followed the discovery that the PFIPC was never established by the Federal Government and has no basis in any law, presidential directive, executive approval or other lawful government instrument.
According to the Presidency, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the council and claimed to be a presidential appointee.
Tinubu instructed the ICPC to investigate the alleged forgery of appointment letters and other official government documents, as well as claims that the fake presidential appointment was used to obtain official recognition, diplomatic support and visa facilitation.
The probe will also cover the alleged opening and operation of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using forged documents, the source and movement of funds connected to the scheme, and the involvement of any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions or intermediaries who may have facilitated or participated in the alleged fraud.
Beyond establishing criminal liability, the President directed the commission to identify weaknesses in government systems that may have enabled the fictitious council to gain an appearance of legitimacy and recommend immediate reforms to prevent a recurrence.
Tinubu also ordered all ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to provide the ICPC with all relevant records and necessary assistance to ensure the investigation is completed without delay.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the Presidency and public institutions, the President said acts of impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and other fraudulent practices would not be tolerated, stressing that anyone found culpable should be dealt with in accordance with the law.