HOW A FAKE DIRECTOR-GENERAL RAN AN ELABORATE SCAM FROM FEDERAL SECRETARIAT, ABUJA
HOW A FAKE DIRECTOR-GENERAL RAN AN ELABORATE SCAM FROM FEDERAL SECRETARIAT, ABUJA
By Adeboye Prince Adetu
A shocking tale of impersonation, forgery, and diplomatic fraud has emerged from the heart of Nigeria’s seat of power, exposing how a single individual exploited gaps in government verification systems to present himself as a high-ranking presidential appointee.
The suspect, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, is currently facing criminal trial over allegations that he falsely paraded himself as Director-General of a completely non-existent government entity called the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), also referred to as the Presidential Economic Advisory Council .
How the Scam Unfolded
Here is the IMPOSTOR, self-styled Director-General of the purported, Non Existing Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), an entity with no recognised legal or governmental status, receiving a delegation of foreign investors alongside the Ambassador of Thailand while purporting to act in an official capacity. Embodiment of 419!!!
Investigations revealed that Adeyemi operated his elaborate scheme from an office at the Federal Secretariat Complex Phase III, Abuja, lending an air of legitimacy to his activities . He allegedly held meetings with both Nigerian citizens and foreign nationals while presenting himself as a legitimate government official .
The fraud came to light after officials of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) complained that another government agency appeared to be functioning at cross-purposes with it . This prompted the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President to petition the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police on October 17, 2025 .
In his petition, the Chief of Staff described the perpetrators as "fraudsters and imposters" engaged in the forgery of official appointment letters purportedly issued from his office .
Diplomatic Repercussions
Perhaps the most alarming aspect of this fraud involved interactions with foreign diplomats. On October 10, 2025, Adeyemi reportedly convened a meeting with ambassadors at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja, without the knowledge or approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs .
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently raised formal concerns, writing to the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Staff on October 15, 2025, requesting clarification on the status of Adeyemi's agency. Ambassador Anderson Madubuike, who signed the letter, noted that the meeting "contravene[d] extant rules and regulations guiding diplomatic practices globally" .
Adeyemi had also allegedly requested a note verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate United States visa applications for members of the purported agency .
Arrest and Investigation
Police operatives arrested Adeyemi on October 27, 2025, at the Secretariat office where he operated his scheme . Searches conducted at his office and residence in Suleja reportedly yielded forged appointment letters, official documents, and other exhibits .
During police interrogation, Adeyemi claimed that one Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola assisted him in procuring the forged appointment letter . However, investigators later established that Tanimola had died in a fire incident at Kachi Hotel in Abuja five days before Adeyemi’s arrest .
The police investigation concluded that:
The agency Adeyemi purported to head was fictitious
He forged his appointment letter and other official documents
He falsely paraded himself as a government appointee
He fraudulently sought diplomatic support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Financial Footprint
Investigators uncovered that Adeyemi operated 34 bank accounts, including nine opened in the names of fictitious agencies such as the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and Public-Private Partnership . He also allegedly used forged documents to fraudulently open a Central Bank of Nigeria account by misleading the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, though investigators confirmed that no government funds were transferred into the account .
History of Deception
The case of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew is not his first brush with fraudulent misrepresentation. In November 2016, he paraded himself as an ambassador and President-General of the World Youth Organisation, which he claimed was affiliated with the United Nations. He claimed to have been elected in New Delhi, India, until the United Nations reportedly denied the existence of such a body .
Legal Proceedings
The police filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi and two alleged accomplices before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on November 27, 2025, bordering on forgery, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretense . The case is scheduled for hearing on July 27, 2026 .
While on police bail, Adeyemi recently renewed claims that the Chief of Staff appointed him Director-General of the fictitious council, a claim the Presidency has vehemently denied . The Chief of Staff issued another public disclaimer on June 8, reiterating that Adeyemi is an impostor .
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, warned politicians and members of the public not to rely on Adeyemi's claims, stressing that the matter is sub judice and should be allowed to follow due legal process .
— Igbe News
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