ICPC Uncovers Two More Fake Agencies in PFIPC Investigation

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered two additional fake government agencies in its ongoing investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal. (Punch Newspapers)

ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN) disclosed the development on Thursday after presenting the commission’s interim investigation report to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. (Punch Newspapers)

According to the commission, investigators discovered two fictitious agencies—the FCT Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA)—which were allegedly created using forged legislative documents and used to open bank accounts for illegal activities. (Punch Newspapers)

The ICPC also reiterated that Adeniyi Matthew Adeyemi, who presented himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC, was never appointed by the Federal Government. The commission said the PFIPC had no legal backing, having neither been established by an Act of the National Assembly nor by an Executive Order. It further revealed that the appointment letter and other documents used to legitimize the agency were forged. (Channels Television)

Investigators alleged that the syndicate unlawfully occupied the offices of the defunct Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), where it carried out acts of impersonation and false representation while exploiting gaps in government verification procedures. (Punch Newspapers)

The anti-graft agency has recommended the prosecution of Adeyemi, disciplinary action against public officials alleged to have facilitated the operation of the fake agencies, and reforms to strengthen internal controls across government institutions. The interim report also identified alleged collaborators in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Budget Office, and NITDA. (Punch Newspapers)

ICPC stressed that investigations are ongoing and that additional criminal charges may be filed as more evidence emerges. The commission said President Tinubu has been briefed on the findings and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability. (Channels Television)