The Nigerian Presidency has found itself embroiled in a high-profile controversy involving Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, a man who allegedly operated a fictitious government agency known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council. This organization, which Adeyemi claimed to lead as its Director-General, did not exist officially, according to the Presidency. The situation escalated significantly when Adeyemi was charged with multiple offenses, including conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation, before the Federal High Court in Abuja. These charges stem from an extensive investigation initiated by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, following reports of suspicious activities linked to the supposed agency.
Adeyemi's actions reportedly began drawing attention when officials from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council noticed discrepancies in operations that seemed to conflict with their own functions. This led to Gbajabiamila filing a formal petition with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force on October 17, 2025. In this petition, Gbajabiamila highlighted concerns about individuals allegedly forging appointment letters supposedly issued from his office. These documents included falsified signatures, reference numbers, and seals, all aimed at legitimizing the non-existent agency.
The investigation that ensued uncovered that Adeyemi had managed to open a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) account using forged government documents. According to the Presidency, these documents were used to mislead the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation into facilitating the account's opening. Despite this, no government funds were ever transferred into the account. Additionally, it was discovered that Adeyemi maintained 34 bank accounts, many of which were attributed to fictitious government bodies.
During the police investigation, Adeyemi was arrested on October 27, 2025, at his office in the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja. Searches conducted at both his office and residence in Suleja yielded several documents and other exhibits. During interrogations, Adeyemi claimed that someone named Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola assisted him in acquiring the alleged fake appointment letter. However, investigators later confirmed that Tanimola had passed away in a fire incident at Kachi Hotel in Abuja just five days prior to Adeyemi's arrest.
The Presidency emphasized that the documents retrieved from Adeyemi were indeed forged, confirming that the agency he claimed to head never existed. The police report cited in the Presidency's statement indicated that Adeyemi's actions constituted criminal forgery, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretense, which not only undermined the credibility of the Chief of Staff's office but also cast doubt on the integrity of the presidency itself.
The legal proceedings against Adeyemi and his two alleged accomplices, identified only as Femi and Anu, were formally filed on November 27, 2025, under a charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/2025. The case is set to be heard on July 27, 2026. The Presidency has dismissed Adeyemi's recent assertion that he was appointed by the Chief of Staff, calling it false and inconsistent with previous statements he made to investigators.
As the case progresses, the Presidency has urged politicians and members of the public to avoid using Adeyemi's claims against Gbajabiamila, emphasizing that the matter is now before the court and should be allowed to proceed without external interference. This incident highlights the importance of verifying the authenticity of government-related communications and the potential consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities that could damage public trust in governmental institutions.
3 reports
The PunchIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 802 days agoThe Nigerian Presidency is facing increased public and legal scrutiny due to the arrest of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who has been charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation related to a fictitious government agency. Adeyemi had been presenting himself as the Director-General of the non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and was arrested after the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, reported him to authorities. The police allege that Adeyemi forged documents bearing the signatures of high-ranking officials and created 34 fake bank accounts linked to non-existent government entities. The Presidency has released a detailed statement outlining the charges and the background of the case, while also warning against politicizing the issue.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the facts of the legal proceedings involving a high-profile individual and the Nigerian Presidency without overtly favoring any side. It includes statements from both the accused and the Presidency, providing a balanced view of the situation without apparent ideological bias.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): Accurate summary of the allegations and legal actions taken. Less objective due to mentioning a lawyer calling for an independent probe, which may imply criticism of the Presidency.
The PunchIndependentRight11 hr. ago Adeyemi, the man in Nigeria’s ₦1.3bn ‘ghost agency’ scandalPrince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, a self-proclaimed director general of a non-existent Nigerian government agency called the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, faces criminal charges of forgery and impersonation. The Presidency denies the existence of the agency, accusing Adeyemi of forging official documents and using government resources. He claims the agency was established to attract foreign investment and alleges he paid ₦400 million for his appointment, which the presidency disputes. Budget documents show the agency allegedly received over ₦1.3 billion in funding, raising concerns about misuse of public funds.
Bias read (Right): The article frames Adeyemi's actions as fraudulent and deceptive, emphasizing the Presidency's denial of the agency's existence and highlighting the potential misuse of public funds. While the focus is on accountability, the tone leans toward criticizing the individual rather than presenting a fully
The PunchIndependentCenteryesterday ‘Fake’ DG insists appointment was genuinePrince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be the Director General of a non-existent government agency called the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, maintains that his appointment was legitimate. Facing charges of conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation, Adeyemi asserted that the matter is under judicial review and expressed confidence in eventual acquittal. He stated he had a letter of appointment and was cooperating with legal proceedings, while denying allegations of criminal behavior. The Nigerian presidency, through its special adviser Bayo Onanuga, rejected Adeyemi's claims, stating that police investigations confirmed he forged documents and operated a fake agency with multiple bank accounts. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions around the legitimacy of certain government appointments and the potential misuse of public resources.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both sides of the dispute: Adeyemi's defense of his actions and the presidency's rebuttal. While there is some framing of Adeyemi's claims as potentially fraudulent, the reporting remains balanced by including official responses and legal context without overt ideological slant.
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