President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of the so-called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing it as a fictitious body with no legal backing.

The President ordered the anti-corruption agency to conclude its investigation and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.

Tinubu orders comprehensive probe

According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the PFIPC was never established by the Federal Government and has no basis in law, executive approval or any official government instrument.

The Presidency said one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the council and claimed to be a presidential appointee.

Forgery, bank accounts under investigation

President Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate the alleged forgery of appointment letters and other government documents, as well as claims that the suspect used the false presidential appointment to obtain official recognition, diplomatic support and visa facilitation.

The investigation will also cover the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents.

The President further instructed the commission to investigate the source and movement of funds linked to the alleged scheme and determine whether any public officials, financial institutions, intermediaries or private individuals facilitated the operation.

MDAs directed to cooperate

Tinubu also ordered all ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to provide the ICPC with all relevant records and information required to complete the investigation promptly.

He directed the commission to identify weaknesses in government procedures that may have enabled the alleged fraud and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.

According to the statement, the President stressed that the integrity of the Presidency and government institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery and abuse of official identity.

He also directed that anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law.