ICPC Uncovers Officials Aiding Fake Presidential Council

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has revealed the identities of four government officials who allegedly aided Adeniyi Adeyemi, the director-general of the discredited Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). The ICPC's interim investigation report indicates that Adeyemi obtained government approvals and accessed official financial systems through forged documents and the assistance of civil servants.

He sought formal recognition in November 2024, approaching the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation for an administrative code and approval to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, using purported official documents, including a letter allegedly signed by a non-existent individual, Akanbi Adewale. The investigation identified Rose Achem, Patricia Akhigbe, and Mimi Abu as key officials who facilitated unauthorized approvals for the PFIPC.

Achem introduced Akhigbe to Abu, and they processed the council's application for an establishment and recruitment waiver, despite lacking formal applications. Notably, Adeyemi paid Akhigbe 500,000 naira as a "thank you for your support," coinciding with the approval granted on the same day the officials met.