President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of the nonexistent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, which the Federal Government claims was never legally established. This directive stems from findings that one Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew falsely represented himself as its Director-General and sought official recognition and diplomatic support using purportedly forged appointment letters and government documents.

The ICPC is tasked with examining the authenticity of these documents, the processes followed for obtaining recognition, the opening of bank accounts under false pretenses, and identifying any individuals, including public officers, who may have facilitated this fraudulent scheme. The investigation aims to uncover weaknesses in government protocols that allowed the fictitious council to appear legitimate, assess any financial transactions involved, and recommend preventative measures.

All relevant ministries, departments, and agencies have been directed to assist the ICPC to ensure a thorough investigation, which must be completed within 30 days. This move comes after increasing public pressure for accountability regarding how the bogus council managed to operate within official structures, including its allocation of N1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act. Civil society, opposition leaders, and legal representatives like Femi Falana are demanding clarity on the involvement of key government figures, specifically the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, who has been cleared of wrongdoing following forensic analysis of a disputed signature on an appointment letter.

Additionally, the Nigeria Police Force apprehended Adeyemi’s father for questioning regarding his son’s whereabouts, a step criticized as intimidation against family members of suspects. Falana has highlighted his client’s compliance with judicial processes, underscoring the need for legal resolution rather than intimidation tactics. Adeyemi, who has attended previous court hearings related to the case, is expected to return to court by July 27. All findings from the investigation are poised to affect public confidence in the integrity of the Presidency and the operations of federal institutions.