The Presidency has uncovered and disowned a man identified as Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who allegedly operated a fictitious “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” and falsely presented it as a legitimate Federal Government agency.
The suspect was said to have also paraded a so-called Presidential Economic Advisory Council, using forged documents, fake appointment letters, and seals to claim official recognition and engage with both local and foreign stakeholders.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, the issue first came to light after the Office of the Chief of Staff received complaints from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission about the activities of an unauthorised entity operating at cross purposes with established government institutions.
The statement said the Chief of Staff subsequently petitioned the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force on October 17, 2025, prompting an investigation into alleged forgery and impersonation linked to the Presidency.
It added that the suspect allegedly used the fake platform to host meetings, engage foreign missions, and request diplomatic facilitation, including a note verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa processing purposes.
Security agencies reportedly expanded their investigation through the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation before arresting the suspect in Abuja on October 27, 2025.
Police authorities said the suspect operated multiple bank accounts under various fictitious entities and used forged documents to misrepresent official government backing, adding that no such council exists within the structure of the Federal Government or the State House.
The Presidency warned the public against engaging with individuals or groups claiming affiliation with non-existent presidential bodies, noting that the suspect and his alleged accomplices have been charged to court as proceedings continue.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
