PFIPC scandal: ICPC uncovers two more fake agencies linked to Adeyemi

BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has uncovered two additional fake government agencies allegedly created by Adeniyi Matthew Adeyemi, the self-styled Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), as investigations into the scandal deepen.

ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), disclosed this after presenting the commission’s interim investigation report to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said investigators confirmed that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government and that the PFIPC was never established by any law or executive order.

According to the commission, Adeyemi allegedly used forged appointment letters and unlawfully occupied the offices of the defunct Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), where the fake agency reportedly operated while engaging in impersonation and other illegal activities.

The ICPC further revealed that the investigation uncovered two additional fictitious agencies allegedly linked to Adeyemi. The agencies were reportedly created using forged legislative instruments and were used to open bank accounts for suspected illegal activities. Reports differ slightly on the exact names of the agencies, but all identify them as additional fictitious investment-promotion bodies created during the scheme.

Aliyu said the commission found no evidence that Federal Government funds were approved or released to the fake PFIPC and stressed that there was no weakness in the Presidency or the Central Bank of Nigeria’s systems. However, he noted that lapses in verification procedures across several Ministries, Departments and Agencies enabled the fraud to continue.

The ICPC has recommended Adeyemi’s prosecution, disciplinary sanctions against public officials whose negligence aided the operation of the fake agencies, and institutional reforms to strengthen internal controls. The commission added that investigations are ongoing and that additional criminal charges could follow as more evidence emerges.

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