Leader of Sham Nigerian Agency Apprehended After Eluding Authorities
Nigerian law enforcement has captured Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, the individual responsible for establishing a fictitious government agency within the office of the Nigerian president. His arrest comes after several weeks of evasion and a significant manhunt initiated by authorities.
Details of the Arrest
Matthew, who had identified himself as the director general of the so-called Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), was apprehended in Osun State, located in the southwestern region of Nigeria. The arrest was executed following a warrant issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which was prompted when Matthew failed to comply with a court summons to address charges of forgery and impersonation.
While precise details concerning the arrest remain scant, the police confirmed that it was carried out by personnel from the Force Intelligence Department and the Intelligence Response Team. Matthew is currently expected to be transported to the police headquarters in Abuja for additional interrogation.
Background of the Scam
The controversy surrounding the PFIPC has captured national attention, especially after President Bola Tinubu initiated a corruption investigation into the agency. It was revealed that the letter purportedly establishing the agency, complete with an official-looking signature of the president's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, was fraudulent. This discovery has led to widespread demands from civil society organizations and political figures for an independent inquiry into the matter.
In media interactions, Matthew has insisted on his innocence, expressing concerns for his safety and committing to clearing his name in court. However, he failed to appear at a scheduled court hearing, with his lawyer, Genesis Francis, explaining that Matthew feared for his safety. In an open letter to President Tinubu, Matthew detailed these concerns.
Investigative Findings
Matthew had previously asserted that the PFIPC was established in 2024 with the aim of attracting foreign investment to Nigeria. However, investigations have found no evidence of any successful deals facilitated by the agency. BBC News Pidgin reported that the PFIPC had secured office space within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, opened accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, and was listed in the 2026 Appropriation Act with an allocation of 1.3 billion naira (approximately $950,000).
Despite these claims, the Accountant-General's Office confirmed that the PFIPC never held any accounts with the central bank nor received any public funds or salaries. Court documents have accused Matthew and two accomplices of using forged documents to establish the council, open bank accounts, and seek formal recognition for the non-existent agency.
Source: Original Article
