Nigeria investigates alleged forged presidential letter used to establish fake state council

An unprecedented political scandal has emerged in Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu ordered a corruption investigation into allegations that a fictitious government agency was created within his own office and gained access to substantial public funds.

The presidency announced that a letter allegedly signed by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to establish the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) had been forged, as Nigerian news outlets report.

Nigerian police have since launched a manhunt for Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who presented himself as the council's "director general," over allegations of forgery, impersonation and related offences.

Before going into hiding, Adeyemi denied any wrongdoing, telling local media that he feared for his safety but intended to appear in court to clear his name. He maintained that the council was lawfully established and accused senior government officials of demanding bribes during his appointment process and later attempting to take control of the council's funds. The presidency has rejected those claims.

According to Adeyemi, the PFIPC was created in 2024 with the aim of attracting foreign investment to Nigeria and received public funding of about $950,000. However, there is no evidence that the council completed any investment deals. The body reportedly had only three employees, all of whom have been questioned by police.

The presidency said forensic analysis conducted by police confirmed that the signature of Gbajabiamila on the disputed appointment letter was forged.

Court documents filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja allege that Adeyemi and two other defendants used falsified official documents to create and operate the purported council, opened multiple bank accounts in its name and sought formal recognition for an agency the government says never existed.

Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the allegations and submit a detailed report within 30 days.

The case has sparked concerns over government oversight and the potential misuse of public resources, as authorities investigate how an allegedly unauthorized body was able to operate under the appearance of an official presidential initiative.

By Nazrin Sadigova