General News
Man Accused of Creating Fake Nigerian Government Agency Faces Court
ABUJA, Nigeria — October 2, 2026 — Nigerian authorities have charged a man accused of creating a government agency that the presidency says was never established, after the purported organisation allegedly obtained government office space, secured a budget allocation and attempted to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 30, where he faced charges including forgery and impersonation. Prosecutors allege that Adeyemi had presented himself since 2024 as director-general of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), despite the presidency saying the body had no legal or presidential authorization.
The case has drawn attention because the alleged organisation reportedly managed to operate within Nigeria’s federal administrative system despite the government’s position that it did not exist.
Image: Adeniyi Adeyemi being escorted by police officers at the Federal High Court. Caption: Adeniyi Adeyemi appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 30 to face charges linked to the alleged fictitious agency.
Alleged agency obtained federal office space
According to court filings cited by Reuters, the purported PFIPC obtained office space inside the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and secured an allocation of approximately $1 million in the 2026 federal budget.
Investigators also allege that attempts were made to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria. Several government institutions reportedly dealt with the purported organisation as though it were a legitimate government body.
The presidency has said that the PFIPC had no foundation in Nigerian law, presidential approval or another lawful government instrument. President Bola Tinubu subsequently directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the organisation and related activities.
Image: Exterior or courtroom entrance of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Caption: The Federal High Court in Abuja is hearing the case against Adeyemi.
Forged documents at centre of investigation
Authorities have alleged that forged government documents were used to support the purported agency’s operations.
The presidency has specifically alleged that documents, including appointment-related papers, were fabricated to make Adeyemi appear to have been officially appointed. Investigators have also examined alleged attempts to use claims of government authority to obtain official recognition and diplomatic assistance.
Earlier investigations reported by Nigerian media also alleged that Adeyemi established other entities using variations of the purported agency’s name and used allegedly forged legislative documents in dealings with financial institutions. Those allegations remain part of the broader investigation.
Image: Graphic showing the name Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) alongside Nigerian government imagery. Caption: The presidency says the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council was never established or authorised by the federal government.
Adeyemi denies the allegations
Adeyemi has denied the accusations and maintained that the organisation was legitimate. Reuters reported that he pleaded not guilty when he appeared in court.
He was remanded in custody following the September 30 proceedings, with his next hearing scheduled for October 12, according to Reuters.
The criminal allegations have not been established as facts by a court.
Investigation raises questions about government oversight
The case has also prompted questions about how an organisation described by the presidency as fictitious could obtain physical office space within a federal government complex and appear in official budget documentation.
The Nigerian government has separately investigated another purported government office discovered within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, highlighting wider questions about procedures for verifying government institutions and official appointments.
For now, the court proceedings against Adeyemi will determine the criminal allegations brought against him, while the ICPC investigation is examining the wider circumstances surrounding the purported agency.