President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, giving the agency 30 days to submit its findings. The Presidency said the council has no legal existence and was never established by the Federal Government, […]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, giving the agency 30 days to submit its findings.
The Presidency said the council has no legal existence and was never established by the Federal Government, despite operating as though it was an official government institution.
Investigators have been directed to determine how forged presidential appointment letters and fake government documents were allegedly used to create the impression that the council was genuine.
The probe will also examine claims that the alleged Director General, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, used the false appointment to obtain official recognition, facilitate diplomatic engagements and open bank accounts in the names of government agencies.
President Tinubu further instructed the commission to trace any funds connected to the operation, identify everyone who may have supported the alleged fraud and recommend reforms to strengthen government procedures against similar incidents.
The order follows widespread questions over how the council reportedly appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a budget of N1.3 billion despite repeated denials by the Presidency that the agency exists.
In a related development, police released Adeyemi’s father after questioning him over his son’s whereabouts. His lawyer, Femi Falana, condemned the arrest, describing it as unnecessary because his client has consistently appeared before the court and intends to attend the next hearing.
The Senate also distanced itself from the controversy, saying lawmakers cannot investigate the matter without a formal petition and noting that the case is already before the courts.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu said the legislature neither established the agency nor created its budget allocation, insisting that the executive should resolve the issues surrounding the alleged fake council.
Adeyemi remains on trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.