Nigeria’s police have uncovered what investigators describe as a sophisticated alleged fraud and impersonation network built around a non-existent government institution known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), according to an interim investigation report.
The investigation began after a petition from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President alleged that forged appointment letters bearing fake official signatures, seals, reference numbers and the Nigerian Coat of Arms were being circulated to create the impression that the PFIPC was a legitimate federal government agency.
According to police findings, the principal suspect, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew, allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the fictitious council and operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja. Investigators said he allegedly held meetings with both Nigerian and foreign nationals and corresponded with government ministries and agencies while posing as the head of the organisation.
Police further alleged that the suspect requested diplomatic support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate visa applications for individuals described as staff of the council.
The suspect was arrested on October 27, 2025. Following his arrest, investigators searched his office and residence, where they reportedly recovered forged appointment letters, official letterheads and other documents believed to be connected to the investigation.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly claimed that one Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola helped him secure the appointment letter that named him Director-General of the PFIPC. However, police said subsequent investigations established that Tanimola had died in a hotel fire in Abuja before the arrest. Investigators said interviews with relatives, the hotel management, medical authorities and church officials supported that account.
As part of the investigation, police contacted the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and invited officials from the Office of the Accountant-General for questioning. Three government staff posted to the PFIPC office reportedly told investigators they never carried out official duties during their deployment.
Financial investigations conducted with the assistance of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) allegedly revealed that the suspect operated 34 active bank accounts across several commercial banks. Investigators also claimed that nine of the accounts were opened under names presented as government agencies and that another account was opened with the Central Bank of Nigeria in the name of the PFIPC.
Police concluded in the interim report that the PFIPC is not recognised under any legal or governmental framework in Nigeria, describing it as a fictitious organisation allegedly used to impersonate government authority and conduct official engagements through forged documents.
The report recommended freezing all bank accounts linked to the suspect, disabling the PFIPC account allegedly opened with the Central Bank, and forwarding the case for prosecution after outstanding forensic examinations are completed. Investigators also disclosed that two additional suspects remain at large.
Meanwhile, Adeyemi has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the establishment of an independent, multi-stakeholder panel to investigate the separate controversy surrounding the alleged ₦1.3 billion budget insertion in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
In the letter, Adeyemi welcomed the President’s directive for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the allegations but argued that a broader panel involving civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association, international institutions, human rights groups and diplomatic missions would inspire greater public confidence.
He also claimed concerns about his personal safety had prevented him from surrendering to authorities and questioned official accounts surrounding the death of Dolapo Tanimola. Those claims have not been independently verified, and no official response had been issued by the Presidency at the time of reporting.
Adeyemi said he was willing to cooperate fully and provide documentary evidence if an independent investigative panel is established. Meanwhile, the ICPC’s investigation into the alleged budget insertion remains ongoing.
