Nigeria Launches Probe Into Fake Agency That Nearly Received $944,000 in Public Funds

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into how a fake government agency managed to operate within the country’s federal system and was nearly allocated millions of naira from public funds.

The alleged agency, known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, does not legally exist under Nigerian law. However, it was included in the country’s national budget and was reportedly set to receive about 1.3 billion naira, equivalent to approximately $944,000.

Reports indicate that the organisation even maintained offices inside the federal secretariat in Abuja, a government complex that houses legitimate ministries and agencies. The discovery has raised concerns over weaknesses in Nigeria’s public finance and oversight systems.

Anti-Corruption Agency Given 30 Days to Investigate

President Tinubu’s office announced on Tuesday that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had been directed to investigate the matter.

The anti-corruption agency has been given 30 days to submit its findings, including details on how the fake organisation gained access to government structures and whether any officials assisted its operations.

Investigators will examine allegations involving forged appointment letters and claims that the group used a fake presidential appointment to gain credibility. Authorities are also looking into reports that the organisation used these documents to support applications for official recognition and visa assistance.

Government Denies Funds Were Released

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga described Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, the individual accused of presenting himself as the head of the organisation, as a “con artist” with a history of misrepresentation.

Onanuga stated that no government funds were ultimately released to the fake agency. However, the incident has sparked public debate over how a non-existent organisation was able to appear in official government spending plans.

Critics have questioned the procedures used to approve budget allocations and demanded greater transparency in the management of public resources.

Scandal Adds Pressure on Tinubu Administration

The investigation comes at a politically sensitive time for President Tinubu, with the controversy placing Nigeria’s long-standing fight against corruption back in the spotlight.

Local media reports say Adeyemi claimed he received an appointment letter connected to Tinubu’s administration, including an alleged link to Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. Gbajabiamila has denied knowing Adeyemi or ever meeting him.

Political analysts say the government must provide clear answers on how the fake agency passed through official channels and reached the national budget stage without being detected.

Suspect Faces Court Proceedings

Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew is expected to appear in court on 27 July, where he will face allegations including forgery of official documents, falsely seeking recognition for a fake government agency and opening multiple bank accounts under its name.

The case has intensified calls for stronger verification systems within Nigeria’s public institutions to prevent fraudulent groups from exploiting government processes.

As the investigation continues, attention remains on whether the probe will uncover individual wrongdoing or reveal broader weaknesses in Nigeria’s administrative and financial oversight structures.