ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, a purported government agency. The ICPC has 30 days to submit a comprehensive report on the investigation.

The Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council does not exist under Nigerian law, despite being allocated 1.3 billion naira in the national budget, an amount equivalent to approximately $944,300. The alleged agency maintained offices within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, which houses legitimate government ministries. Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew claimed to be in charge of the council.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated that no public money had been disbursed to the agency. Onanuga described Matthew as a "con artist" with a track record of misrepresentation. Matthew claimed his appointment letter originated from Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, but Gbajabiamila denies any meeting or acquaintance with him. According to the presidency, police forensic analysis confirmed that the signature of the Chief of Staff on the disputed appointment letter was forged.

Investigators will examine claims of forged appointment letters and allegations that the agency used a fake presidential appointment to secure official recognition. They will also look into allegations that the agency sought assistance in obtaining visas and opened multiple bank accounts, including some with the Central Bank of Nigeria, in its name. The agency appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

Matthew and two other defendants face charges of forging official documents, falsely seeking recognition for a fake government agency, and opening bank accounts in the agency's name. Matthew is scheduled to appear in court on July 27 to address these charges. He told local media that he is innocent, intends to clear his name, and fears for his life. President Tinubu instructed investigators to examine the involvement of any public officer, private individual, financial institution, or intermediary who may have facilitated the alleged scheme, and to identify any weaknesses in government procedures that might have been exploited. Tinubu stated, "All persons found culpable are to be treated strictly in accordance with applicable law."