Boss of fake government agency arrested in Nigeria after weeks on the run

Leader of fraudulent government agency apprehended in Nigeria after weeks of evasion

Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew had been evading capture for several weeks prior to his arrest.

The individual in charge of a fake government agency purportedly established within the Nigerian president's office has been apprehended after weeks of evasion.

Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who referred to himself as the director general of the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), was arrested in Osun State, located in the south-western region of Nigeria.

His capture came after a warrant was issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, following his failure to attend a hearing regarding charges of forgery and impersonation.

The situation has captivated Nigeria since President Bola Tinubu initiated a corruption investigation into the non-existent agency last week.

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Details surrounding the arrest on Tuesday are limited, but police have confirmed that operatives from the Force Intelligence Department and the Intelligence Response Team were involved.

The suspect is anticipated to be taken to the police headquarters in Abuja for additional questioning.

The police initiated a manhunt for Adeyemi after allegations regarding the PFIPC emerged last week.

Tinubu's office stated that an official-looking letter that purportedly established the agency was fraudulent.

Forensic analysis by the police confirmed that the signature of the president's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, on the disputed appointment letter was forged, according to the presidency.

The scandal has led to demands for an independent investigation from civil society organizations, opposition leaders, and prominent lawyers.

Adeyemi has consistently claimed his innocence in interviews with local media.

"My life is in danger," he reportedly stated, although he vowed to appear in court to vindicate himself.

However, he was not present at the hearing on Tuesday. His attorney, Genesis Francis, informed the court that he had been unable to convince his client to attend due to concerns for Adeyemi's safety.

The lawyer mentioned that the defendant had sent an open letter to President Tinubu outlining these fears.

Adeyemi had previously claimed that the PFIPC was created in 2024 to attract foreign investment to Nigeria, but there is no record of any deals being finalized.

BBC News Pidgin discovered that the agency had secured office space within the Federal Secretariat, a large government complex that houses numerous ministries in Abuja.

It had also opened accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria and was included in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a budget allocation of 1.3 billion naira ($950,000; £700,000).

However, the Accountant-General's Office stated that the PFIPC had never operated an account with the central bank and had not received any public funds or salaries.

Court documents indicate that Adeyemi and two accomplices are accused of utilizing forged official documents to establish and operate the council, opening multiple bank accounts in its name, and seeking official recognition for the nonexistent agency.

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