The investigation into a controversial fake government agency has taken a new turn, with anti-graft officials now interrogating the man who allegedly posed as its director-general — all from inside a police cell.

Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), was questioned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, where he is being held.

The questioning was initially delayed when Adeyemi’s lawyer failed to show up. ICPC operatives arrived at 10am and had to wait until about 3pm for legal representation to arrive before proceeding. The session was not concluded and may continue Thursday.

What’s the PFIPC controversy about?

The PFIPC is a body that several government institutions say never existed. Adeyemi allegedly presented appointment letters, opened bank accounts, and even got the council included in the 2026 budget proposals — all using what authorities say were forged documents.

The Presidency has denied any knowledge of the council. President Bola Tinubu ordered the ICPC to investigate and report back within 30 days.

Top officials summoned

The House of Representatives has summoned an array of top government officials for questioning today, including:

• Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume
• National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu
• Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi
• Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu
• Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi
• Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele
• Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

They are expected to explain how the fake council got office space at the Federal Secretariat and appeared in the national budget.

Gbajabiamila’s role

President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, appeared before the ICPC on Monday. Adeyemi had claimed Gbajabiamila gave him his appointment letter and that he paid money for the job. Gbajabiamila has denied this and filed a lawsuit against Adeyemi.

Political fallout

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has waded into the matter, accusing the Tinubu administration of a “credibility crisis.” He pointed to contradictory statements from the Accountant-General’s office and the Central Bank over whether bank accounts linked to the PFIPC were properly opened.

Atiku said the scandal has become “a referendum on President Tinubu’s integrity and competence” and called on the President to either order an independent investigation or resign.