Fake Nigerian presidential council secured budget allocation before government uncovered forgery

A fraudulent council claiming to attract foreign investment obtained government offices, staff, and a $950,000 budget line before the presidency declared it illegitimate.

• The government announced that the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) had no legal basis, resting on a forged appointment letter carrying the president's chief of staff's signature.
• Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, PFIPC's director general, denies forgery and has accused senior officials of demanding bribes; he is due in court on 27 July for charges including forgery and impersonation.
• Police detained Adeyemi's father, Chief Adetunji Adeniyi, who said officers forced entry into his home; police said he was invited to assist with inquiries.
• President Bola Tinubu ordered the anti-corruption commission to investigate and report within 30 days, including the role of any public officer.