President Bola Tinubu has ordered a 30‑day investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission into allegations that a forged government agency was set up within his own office, supposedly receiving public funds worth 1.3bn naira (≈$950,000).
The presidency claims the letter of appointment signed by the chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, has been forged, and police are now hunting Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who had presented himself as the director general of the so‑called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.
Adeyemi, who has gone into hiding, has denied wrongdoing but warned that his life is at risk, vowing to appear in court to clear his name.
The ICPC is tasked with reviewing forged documents, illegal bank accounts opened in the agency’s name, claims of diplomatic support, and any role played by public officials, private persons or institutions that may have facilitated the fraud.
The investigation is also to analyse how a non‑existent body managed to appear legitimate, revealing weaknesses in sanctions and oversight that could be exploited again.
Civil society groups, opposition politicians and senior lawyers have amplified the call for an independent inquiry, stressing the importance of protecting federal institutions from impersonation, forgery and abuse of official identity.
In the broader context, the case illustrates the critical need for advanced data‑security solutions—including quantum‑resistant verification and block chain audit trails—to safeguard public trust and administrative integrity.
