President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate an alleged fraudulent body operating under the name Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.
The President directed the ICPC to complete its investigation and submit its findings to him within 30 days.
The directive followed reports that the body, known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, was not created through any law, executive approval, presidential directive or other recognised government process.
A man identified as Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew was alleged to have presented himself as a presidential appointee and Director-General of the non-existent council.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said the investigation would examine how the alleged scheme was able to appear legitimate.
The ICPC was directed to investigate the alleged forgery of government documents, seals and appointment letters linked to the organisation.
The commission will also examine allegations that false presidential appointments were used to seek diplomatic recognition and make visa facilitation requests.
Other areas of investigation include the alleged opening and operation of several bank accounts in the names of fictitious government departments, as well as the origin, movement and use of funds connected to the group.
Tinubu also instructed the anti-corruption agency to investigate any public officials, private individuals, financial intermediaries or institutions that may have assisted or enabled the alleged operation.
The commission was further directed to identify weaknesses in government procedures that may have been exploited and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
All federal ministries, departments and agencies were instructed to provide the ICPC with access to relevant documents, personnel and information to support the investigation.
The President said the integrity of the Presidency must be protected from impersonation, forgery and identity-related fraud, adding that anyone found responsible would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
