The Nigeria House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC says it has unveiled about 58 bank accounts allegedly linked to the group’s Director-General, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi.

The committee also flagged an alleged N400 million transaction which it said may have involved fraudulent claims.

According to the panel, over 30 of the accounts were operated in the names of 9 different agencies, companies and foundations connected to Adeyemi.

Some of the entities listed include:

• Confederation of United Nations Youths
• FCT Investment Promotion Agency and PPP
• Foreign Investment Promotion Agency
• United Nations Youth Global Agency/Foundation
• World Entrepreneurship University Limited
• Olubadan of Ibadan Foundation
• And others with similar names

Committee Chairman, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, said the panel had not concluded that every account or entity was illegal. He explained that they are still verifying registration records, ownership, signatories and transaction histories.

However, Gagdi noted “similarities in names, objectives, management and banking relationships” which suggest a possible pattern of creating organizations to “manufacture credibility, solicit funds and induce the public to pay money.”

The committee is investigating a claim that a company paid N400m in 4 installments after Adeyemi allegedly promised to help secure a contract for the renovation of an “official residence” allocated to him as PFIPC DG.

PFIPC Was Never Legally Established
The panel said it found no Act of the National Assembly, Executive Order, or gazette creating the PFIPC. Documents presented as proof – including a purported presidential appointment letter, Executive Order and Act – were alleged to be forged.

The State House confirmed the purported appointment letter was not issued or signed by Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. The committee has now exonerated Gbajabiamila and commended him for alerting security agencies.

Other Findings

1. The purported council allegedly operated from office space in the Federal Secretariat and ran a website posing as a government body.
2. It allegedly used the names and photos of President Bola Tinubu and other officials without permission.
3. 39 persons were listed as staff, with some allegedly asked to pay money for employment.
4. The case exposed gaps in how fake institutions get administrative codes and government recognition.

Committee Recommendations

1. MDAs should stop dealing with PFIPC or any related entity.
2. No budget, cash backing or government facility should be released to it.
3. Banks and agencies should preserve all account and transaction records.
4. Security agencies – Police, DSS, EFCC, ICPC, ONSA – should conclude investigations and prosecute where evidence exists.
5. Create a central digital platform to verify the legal status of all FG institutions.

Gagdi said the findings are preliminary. The final report will be submitted after recess and the House will decide next steps.

Source: Punch News