Alleged Leader of Fraudulent Nigerian Agency Apprehended
Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, accused of leading a fictitious government agency in Nigeria, has been apprehended after weeks of evasion. The suspect claimed to be the director general of the so-called Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), which purportedly operated from the Nigerian president's office.
The arrest took place in Osun State in southwestern Nigeria, following a warrant issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court had ordered the arrest after Matthew failed to attend a hearing to face charges including forgery and impersonation.
Details of the Arrest
The specifics of Matthew's arrest remain unclear, but police confirmed the involvement of their Force Intelligence Department and Intelligence Response Team. The suspect is expected to be transferred to police headquarters in Abuja for further investigation.
The Nigerian police initiated a search for Matthew after allegations about the PFIPC emerged last week. President Bola Tinubu's office declared that an official-looking document establishing the agency was counterfeit, and forensic analysis confirmed the forgery of the president's chief of staff's signature on the document.
Public Reaction and Legal Proceedings
The incident has sparked demands for an independent inquiry from civil society groups, opposition parties, and legal experts. Despite the charges, Matthew has maintained his innocence in media interviews, expressing concerns for his safety. He assured the public that he would attend court to defend himself, yet was absent from the recent hearing.
Matthew's attorney, Genesis Francis, informed the court of his inability to persuade his client to appear, citing safety concerns. The defendant reportedly communicated these fears in an open letter to President Tinubu.
Allegations Against the PFIPC
Matthew claimed that the PFIPC was formed in 2024 to boost foreign investment in Nigeria, although no records of successful deals exist. Investigations by BBC News Pidgin revealed that the agency had secured office space within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and had opened accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria. The agency was also listed in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a budget allocation of 1.3 billion naira (approximately $950,000).
However, the Accountant-General's Office stated that the PFIPC had never operated an account with the central bank or received public funds. Court documents allege that Matthew, along with two accomplices, used falsified documents to establish the council, open multiple bank accounts, and seek official recognition for the non-existent agency.
Source: BBC News
