ICPC Uncovers Another Fake Agency In SGF Office, Tinubu Orders Arrest

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered another alleged fictitious government agency operating from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

ICPC Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu disclosed the discovery on Friday while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, amid the commission’s wider investigation into the creation and operation of unauthorised government bodies.

The organisation, identified as the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, was allegedly operating from premises within the SGF office without approval from President Bola Tinubu.

The commission linked the development to its ongoing investigation into the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), an organisation it had previously identified as fictitious.

Following the latest discovery, Tinubu ordered the arrest of Prince George Buchi Nwabueze, identified as the alleged promoter of the organisation.

The President also directed the suspension of three permanent secretaries in connection with the matter.

The affected officials are M. S. Danjuma, Engineer Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah.

The latest discovery adds to the growing number of alleged fictitious government organisations being investigated by the ICPC and has raised further questions about the processes used to establish and accommodate entities within the federal government structure.

The commission is continuing its investigation to determine how the organisation secured recognition and office space within the SGF complex and whether other officials were involved.

The development comes days after the Federal Executive Council approved a forensic review of government processes and internal controls following revelations from the ICPC investigation.

The review is expected to examine weaknesses that may have allowed unauthorised entities to operate within government structures and determine measures to prevent similar occurrences.

The ICPC investigation is ongoing.