BREAKING: Tinubu orders ICPC probe into aleged fake presidential council, sets 30-day deadline
By Shola Johnson
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, describing the body as fictitious and unknown to the Federal Government.
The President ordered the anti-corruption agency to conclude its investigation within 30 days and submit a comprehensive report, while directing that anyone found culpable be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the Presidency, preliminary findings showed that the so-called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council was never established by the Federal Government and had no legal backing through any law, presidential directive, executive approval or other lawful instrument.
The statement identified one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew as the individual who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the council and falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee.
President Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate the alleged forgery of appointment letters and other official government documents, as well as claims that the suspect used the purported presidential appointment to secure official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation.
The commission will also investigate the alleged opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using forged documents.
Beyond the principal suspect, the President ordered the ICPC to expand its investigation to identify any individuals or organisations that may have facilitated or participated in the alleged scheme.
According to the Presidency, investigators are expected to determine how the fictitious council acquired an appearance of legitimacy, examine the source and use of the alleged forged documents, trace the movement of funds linked to the operation, and identify any public officials, financial institutions or intermediaries that may have been involved.
The President also instructed the commission to identify institutional loopholes that may have been exploited and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
To support the investigation, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government have been directed to provide the ICPC with all relevant records, information and necessary assistance upon lawful request.
Tinubu stressed that the integrity of the Presidency and other government institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery and the abuse of official identity.
He reiterated that all those found culpable at the conclusion of the investigation should face prosecution in accordance with the law.
