Tinubu Orders ICPC Probe into Alleged Fake Presidential Council, Gives 30-Day Deadline
Tinubu Orders ICPC Probe into Alleged Fake Presidential Council, Gives 30-Day Deadline
Tinubu Orders ICPC Probe into Alleged Fake Presidential Council, Gives 30-Day Deadline
President Bola Ahmed 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), describing the body as fictitious and not recognised by the Federal Government.
The President ordered the anti-corruption agency to conclude its investigation and submit a detailed report within 30 days.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the directive followed the discovery that the PFIPC was never established by the Federal Government and has no legal backing, presidential approval, executive instrument, or any lawful authority.
The statement alleged that one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the purported council and claimed to be a presidential appointee.
President Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate allegations surrounding forged appointment letters and other official government documents, as well as claims that the suspect used the false presidential appointment to seek official recognition, diplomatic support, and visa facilitation.
The investigation will also examine the alleged opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using forged documents.
According to the Presidency, the probe will extend beyond the principal suspect to include other collaborators and any individuals or organisations that may have facilitated the alleged scheme.
The ICPC is expected to investigate the origin and use of the alleged forged documents, the process through which official recognition or diplomatic support may have been sought, the operation of related bank accounts, the source and movement of funds, and the possible involvement of public officials, private individuals, financial institutions, or intermediaries.
President Tinubu also directed the Commission to identify any weaknesses within government procedures that may have enabled the alleged fraud and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
To support the investigation, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been instructed to provide the ICPC with all relevant records and assistance upon lawful request.
The President stressed that the integrity of the Presidency and government institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity, and other fraudulent activities.
He further directed that anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law.
Tinubu Orders ICPC Probe into Alleged Fake Presidential Council, Gives 30-Day Deadline
