ICPC recommends prosecution in fake PFIPC probe

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) submitted an interim report to President Bola Tinubu on August 6, 2026, concluding its 30-day investigation into the fake Nigeria — Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). The ICPC found that Adeyemi Adeniran, the self-acclaimed Director-General, was never appointed by the Federal Government and that the PFIPC had no legal basis. His appointment letter and supporting documents were forged. The probe uncovered two additional fictitious agencies linked to Adeyemi: the Nigeria — FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Bangladesh — Public–Private Partnership Authority, which were created using forged legislative instruments and used to open bank accounts. Adeyemi also illegally occupied offices of the defunct Nigeria — Presidential Economic Advisory Council. The ICPC found no evidence of federal funds being approved or released to the fake agency and cleared the State House and Nigeria — Central Bank of Nigeria of institutional compromise. However, it identified lapses in verification and oversight across several government offices, including the Nigeria — Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, the Office of the Accountant-General, the Budget Office, and the Nigeria — National Information Technology Development Agency. The ICPC recommended prosecution of Adeyemi, administrative sanctions against negligent public officers, and institutional reforms. The investigation is ongoing, with further criminal charges expected. Adeyemi faces an eight-count charge of conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to appear in court. Femi Gbajabiamila, the President's Chief of Staff, has denied involvement and filed a N15bn defamation suit. Atiku Abubakar called for an independent inquiry. The House of Representatives is also probing how the fake agency received a N1.3bn allocation in the 2026 budget.