Tinubu Orders Probe After Fake Government Agency Nearly Received ₦1.3 Billion

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation after a fake government agency was found operating from the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and was nearly allocated ₦1.3 billion in the national budget. Although no public funds were released, authorities are investigating how the agency gained official recognition as a court case against its alleged operator approaches.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation after a fake government agency allegedly operated from the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and was almost allocated ₦1.3 billion (about $944,300) in the 2026 national budget.
The agency, known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, is not recognised under Nigerian law. Despite this, it reportedly operated from offices inside the Federal Secretariat, where many legitimate government ministries and agencies are based.
The discovery has raised serious questions about how an organisation that does not legally exist managed to appear in official government records and secure a proposed budget allocation.
President Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter and submit its findings within 30 days.

Investigators will examine allegations that forged appointment letters and fake presidential documents were used to present the organisation as an official government body.
The investigation will also determine whether anyone within government knowingly assisted the suspects.
Officials said those found responsible will face appropriate legal action.

The building houses several genuine ministries, departments and government agencies, making the discovery particularly alarming.
Observers say the ability of a fake organisation to operate from such a highly secured government complex points to possible weaknesses in internal oversight and administrative procedures.
Authorities are now reviewing how the organisation gained access to government facilities.

According to the Presidency, Adeyemi allegedly used forged documents to convince people that he had been appointed to head the agency.
Tinubu's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, has denied ever meeting Adeyemi or issuing him any appointment letter.
The Presidency stressed that the organisation has never been recognised by the Federal Government.

However, the case has sparked public concern over how the fake agency was included in official spending plans in the first place.
Anti-corruption experts say stronger budget screening procedures may be needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The investigation is expected to determine who approved the proposed allocation.

He faces several charges, including forgery, impersonation, falsely presenting a fake government agency as legitimate, and opening multiple bank accounts in the agency's name.
If convicted, he could face significant legal penalties under Nigerian law.
Authorities say further charges could be added as investigations continue.

Political analysts say the case highlights the need for stronger internal controls to prevent fraudulent organisations from exploiting government systems.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to influence ongoing discussions about public sector reforms and transparency.
Many Nigerians are now waiting to see whether those responsible will be identified and prosecuted as promised by the government.