Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into an alleged fraud involving a fictitious agency that reportedly managed to occupy government offices and was included in the national budget to receive approximately $944,300 in public funding.
According to local media citing the presidency, the head of state has tasked the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) with the investigation. The commission has 30 days to determine the activities of the so-called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.
According to preliminary findings, the organization had established itself within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja, despite having no legal status under Nigerian law. Nevertheless, it appeared in the 2025 national budget, with an allocation of nearly $1 million.
The investigation will also determine whether the individuals behind the organization used forged official documents, including fake appointment letters, and falsely claimed a presidential appointment to obtain official recognition and diplomatic privileges, particularly in visa-related procedures.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who presented himself as the agency's director, as a "fraudster" with a history of fraud and false declarations.
The presidency has, however, stated that no public funds were disbursed to the organization. Investigators must now determine how the agency was included in the national budget despite having no legal basis.
According to Nigerian media, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew is expected to appear in court on July 27 in connection with the case.
