By Peace Erewunmi

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has concluded its investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), widely described as a “phantom” government agency, and is expected to submit its findings to the Presidency.

The probe followed a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who ordered the anti-corruption agency to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged fake council, forged appointment documents, and claims that the organisation operated as a federal government agency despite having no legal backing.

The investigation centred on Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC and is facing charges bordering on forgery, impersonation and related offences before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Investigators also examined the roles of individuals, financial institutions and public officials who may have facilitated the activities of the alleged phantom agency.

President Tinubu had directed the ICPC to identify institutional loopholes that enabled the fictitious council to gain an appearance of legitimacy and to recommend reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future. The President also ordered that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

While the ICPC has completed its assignment, the commission has not yet made the contents of its report public. Further action by the Presidency and relevant law enforcement agencies is expected after the findings are reviewed.