Tinubu orders ICPC probe into PFIPC fraud, gives 30-day deadline

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and all matters connected to the controversy surrounding the body.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

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

The Presidency maintained that the PFIPC was never established by the Federal Government and has no legal basis in any law, presidential instrument, executive approval or any other lawful act of government.

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It alleged that Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the council and claimed to be a presidential appointee.

The President directed the ICPC to investigate forged appointment letters and other official government documents, as well as claims that the purported presidential appointment was used to obtain official recognition, diplomatic support and visa facilitation.

The commission was also mandated to investigate the alleged opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using suspected forged documents.

According to the Presidency, the investigation will extend beyond the activities of the principal suspect to include any collaborators and the broader circumstances that may have enabled the purported council to acquire an appearance of official legitimacy.

The probe will examine the origin and use of the false official documents, the processes through which official recognition or diplomatic support may have been sought or obtained, the opening and operation of related bank accounts, the source and movement of any funds involved, and the role of any public officer, private individual, financial institution or intermediary that may have facilitated the scheme.

President Tinubu also directed the ICPC to identify any loopholes in government and institutional procedures that may have been exploited and recommend immediate measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

To facilitate the investigation, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government have been directed to provide the commission with all relevant information, records and necessary assistance upon lawful request.

The President stressed that the integrity of the Presidency and federal government institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and the exploitation of weaknesses within the public service.

He further directed that any individual found culpable at the conclusion of the investigation should be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.

The PFIPC controversy has remained in the public spotlight following conflicting claims over the existence of the council, with the matter generating widespread public debate and calls from various stakeholders for a transparent investigation.