National Outcry: Presidency Rocked by 'Fake Agency' Scandal

The Presidency has publicly disowned Adeyemi Adeniyi Matthew, dismissing his claims of being appointed to head a presidential agency as an elaborate scam involving forged documents and the creation of non-existent entities. Adeyemi allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of a fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and claimed membership in the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), prompting a detailed statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on July 1.

The alleged fraud was first uncovered by the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, following complaints from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) regarding a parallel government agency. On October 17, 2025, the Chief of Staff petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police, seeking an investigation into what he termed “fraudsters and impostors” using fake appointment letters with forged signatures, reference numbers, and official seals. Adeyemi allegedly operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, where he reportedly held meetings with Nigerians and foreign nationals. He was also accused of seeking a note verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate United States visas for his purported agency’s members.

Concerns also arose within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after Adeyemi reportedly convened a meeting with ambassadors at the Wells Carlton Hotel, Asokoro, on October 10, 2025, without the Ministry’s knowledge. Ambassador Anderson Madubuike, in a letter dated October 15, 2025, sought clarification from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Staff, highlighting the violation of diplomatic procedures. The Chief of Staff categorically denied issuing any appointment letter to Adeyemi, emphasizing that the alleged agencies did not exist and that official appointments are made through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. A subsequent letter on November 5, 2025, reiterated this disavowal, with a renewed public disclaimer issued on June 8, 2026, after Adeyemi repeated his claims while on police bail.

Police investigations led to Adeyemi’s arrest on October 27, 2025, at his Abuja office. A search of his office and Suleja residence reportedly uncovered documents and exhibits relevant to the investigation. Adeyemi told investigators that one Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola assisted him in procuring the alleged forged appointment letter; however, Tanimola had reportedly died in a fire incident five days prior to Adeyemi's arrest. Investigators concluded that the council was fictitious, and all documents in Adeyemi’s possession were forged. Further findings alleged Adeyemi operated 34 bank accounts, including nine opened in the names of fictitious government agencies like the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and Public-Private Partnership (FIPA-APP). He was also alleged to have used fake documents to open a Central Bank of Nigeria account through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, though no government funds were ever deposited.

Following the investigation, police charged Adeyemi and two alleged accomplices before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on November 27, 2025, on an eight-count charge encompassing forgery, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretence. The matter is scheduled for hearing on July 27. The Presidency also recalled Adeyemi’s alleged history of false representation, citing a 2016 incident where he claimed to be President-General of the World Youth Organisation, which the UN later disowned. The Presidency has urged restraint, advising the public and politicians not to rely on Adeyemi’s claims as the matter is sub judice.

In response to these allegations, Adeyemi Adeniyi Matthew has vowed to clear his name, expressing readiness to face legal proceedings. In an interview, he insisted he was lawfully appointed and stated that his organization was established in 2024. He denied claims of being a con artist, asserting that the court of competent jurisdiction would vindicate him. Citing legal advice, he declined to provide supporting documents or discuss the funding of his council’s staff, stating that “the truth will be unraveled at the court of law.” Adeyemi also claimed his life was under threat and stated he had gone into hiding, refusing to disclose his location, believing the government was attempting to silence him.

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has criticized the Presidency’s response, arguing that while it attempted to exonerate the Chief of Staff, it inadvertently exposed