The Guardian
·Jul 2026
Furore in Nigeria over fake federal agency set up in government HQ
A fake Nigerian federal agency, the PFIPC, which received budget funding and office space in the federal secretariat, has ignited a major political crisis ahead of the January election. Authorities accuse Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew of forging documents, impersonating officials, and misleading government departments and foreign diplomats. The controversy has drawn scrutiny to senior officials with past legal issues, including the president’s chief of staff and the budget minister. President Bola Tinubu ordered an ICPC investigation, while lawmakers launched parallel inquiries. Opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar demanded an independent probe, arguing Nigerians need full transparency as corruption again becomes a central election issue.