By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Presidency has explained the circumstances surrounding Adeyemi Adeniyi Matthew, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of a non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, also called the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.
According to the Presidency, the office of the Chief of Staff first uncovered the alleged fraud after complaints from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council. Officials reported that another agency appeared to be performing overlapping government functions.
Chief of Staff Reported Alleged Forgery
On October 17, the Chief of Staff petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force. The petition requested an investigation into individuals allegedly forging official appointment letters.
According to the petition, forged documents carried fake signatures, seals, and reference numbers. The documents allegedly appointed Adeyemi as Director-General of the so-called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.
The petition also stated that the group operated from the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase III, Abuja.
Furthermore, the office allegedly held meetings with Nigerians and foreign nationals. It also reportedly requested a note verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate United States visas for its officials.
The Chief of Staff described the activities as criminal and warned they could damage the credibility of the Presidency.
Supporting Documents Accompanied the Petition
The petition included several documents to support the complaint.
These included:
- A copy of the alleged forged appointment letter.
- A request for a note verbale.
- Photographs of official engagements obtained from the group’s website.
Foreign Affairs Ministry Raised Diplomatic Concerns
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already expressed concern about the group’s activities.
On October 15, 2025, the ministry wrote to the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Staff. The ministry sought clarification about Adeyemi’s organisation after he reportedly met ambassadors at Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja.
Officials said the meeting occurred without the ministry’s approval.
According to the ministry, the action violated established diplomatic procedures.
Security Agencies Sought Clarification
Following the ministry’s inquiry, the Office of the National Security Adviser contacted the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) on October 20.
Subsequently, the OSGF wrote to the Chief of Staff on October 29. The office requested confirmation of Adeyemi’s appointment following multiple inquiries from public and private organisations.
However, two days earlier, the Chief of Staff had already informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that he never issued any appointment letter to Adeyemi.
The office also stressed that appointments fall under the authority of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, not the Chief of Staff.
Presidency Rejected the Appointment Claim
On November 5, 2025, the Chief of Staff formally responded to the OSGF.
The response stated that neither Adeyemi nor the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council existed within government records.
The Chief of Staff also confirmed that security agencies had been directed to investigate the matter.
Police Arrested Adeyemi in Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force acted on the petition and launched an investigation.
On October 27, officers arrested Adeyemi at the Federal Secretariat office where he allegedly operated the organisation.
Police also searched his residence in Suleja.
Investigators recovered several documents and other exhibits during the operation.
Investigation Linked Fake Appointment Letter to Another Individual
During questioning, Adeyemi reportedly claimed that Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola helped him obtain the alleged forged appointment letter.
Police investigated the claim.
However, investigators discovered that Tanimola had died in a fire incident at Kachi Hotel in Abuja on October 22, five days before Adeyemi’s arrest.
Police later confirmed the death at the morgue.
Police Listed Multiple Allegations
According to investigators, Adeyemi allegedly:
- Created a fictitious government agency.
- Forged appointment letters.
- Produced fake government documents.
- Impersonated a government official.
- Requested diplomatic support using false claims.
- Opened multiple bank accounts linked to fictitious organisations.
Police said he operated 34 bank accounts, including nine under alleged fake organisations such as the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and Public Private Partnership (FIPA-APP).
Investigators also alleged that Adeyemi used forged documents to open a Central Bank of Nigeria account after misleading the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
However, police confirmed that no government funds entered the account.
Police Filed Criminal Charges
Following the investigation, police concluded that Adeyemi’s actions amounted to forgery, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
Authorities filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi and two alleged accomplices at the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 27, 2025.
The matter is scheduled for hearing on July 27.
New Claims Prompted Fresh Disclaimer
While on police bail, Adeyemi reportedly renewed claims that the Chief of Staff appointed him.
The Presidency said the statement contradicted his earlier police testimony.
As a result, the Chief of Staff issued another public disclaimer on June 8. The statement again described Adeyemi as an impostor.
Presidency Cites Earlier False Claims
The Presidency also pointed to an earlier incident involving Adeyemi.
In 2016, he allegedly introduced himself as Ambassador and President-General of the World Youth Organisation, which he described as a United Nations affiliate.
However, the United Nations later denied that such an organisation existed.
Presidency Urges Public to Await Court Decision
Finally, the Presidency advised politicians and members of the public not to rely on Adeyemi’s claims.
Instead, it urged everyone to allow the ongoing court proceedings to run their course.
Since the matter remains before the court, the Presidency called for restraint until the judiciary reaches a final decision.
