Abuja, Nigeria – July 27, 2026
In a dramatic escalation of its probe into a controversial non-existent government body, the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Monday uncovered approximately 29 allegedly forged official documents linked to the operations of the so-called Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), also referred to in some contexts as the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.
The committee, chaired by Rep. Yusuf Gagdi, directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, to produce the self-acclaimed Director-General of the phantom agency, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew (also known as Adeyemi Adeniyi), before it by noon on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 — giving the police a 48-hour ultimatum.
Key Revelations in the Probe
During the resumed investigative hearing at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the committee heard testimony from Nigeria Police Force representatives. Lawmakers compared signatures on disputed documents with authentic ones and received confirmation that they did not match.
The alleged forgeries include purported approvals and letters from high-level institutions such as:
The State House (Presidency)
Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation
Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation
Federal Ministry of Finance
And other government bodies
One document even purported to be an Act of the National Assembly establishing the agency.
Investigators linked these activities to petitions from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President. Allegations against Adeyemi include using the fake agency to:
• Secure office accommodation at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja
Seek approval to recruit about 300 personnel
• Attempt to secure a ₦1.3 billion (approximately $950,000) allocation in the 2026
• Appropriation Act
Plan a World Investment Summit under the council’s name
Representatives from affected agencies have reportedly disowned the documents attributed to their offices.
Background of the Scandal
The saga erupted earlier in 2026 when the Presidency, through the Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, disavowed the PFIPC, stating it was never established by law, presidential order, or any official instrument. Police investigations, triggered by a petition in October 2025, led to Adeyemi’s arrest that month (though he had since been in hiding or otherwise unavailable according to reports).
Authorities allege Adeyemi and associates used forged documents — including an appointment letter bearing a falsified signature of the Chief of Staff — to impersonate a government official, open multiple bank accounts (reports mention up to 34, including some in names of fictitious entities), and engage with diplomats and officials. No public funds were reportedly disbursed to the agency.
Adeyemi has faced an eight-count charge including conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation. He has denied the allegations, insisting the council was legitimate and making counter-claims (including alleged demands for kickbacks), which the Presidency and involved officials have strongly rejected. Gbajabiamila has filed a defamation suit against him.
President Bola Tinubu earlier directed the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to conduct a broader investigation.
Committee’s Stance
Chairman Gagdi emphasized the need to protect institutional integrity and verify claims involving named individuals and agencies. The committee urged the Accountant-General of the Federation and Head of Civil Service to facilitate the release of relevant personnel for further testimony.
The development has raised serious questions about how a fictitious entity reportedly gained traction within government circles, secured space in a key federal building, and appeared in the national budget.
This story is developing, with Adeyemi’s expected appearance before the House panel likely to shed more light on the extent of the alleged scheme. The House probe runs parallel to ongoing police and court matters.
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