The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recommended the prosecution of Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), following preliminary findings from an ongoing investigation into the controversial organisation.
ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, disclosed the development on Thursday after briefing President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The briefing comes one month after President Tinubu directed the anti-corruption agency to investigate the activities, legal status and operations of the PFIPC amid growing concerns over its legitimacy.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Aliyu said the commission’s interim findings revealed that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government to serve in the capacity he claimed. According to him, investigators found no official records supporting the existence of such an appointment.
The ICPC Chairman further disclosed that documents allegedly used to establish the PFIPC, including an appointment letter, a government gazette and other official records presented by Adeyemi, were discovered to be forged during the course of the investigation.
Aliyu explained that the commission’s investigation centres on allegations of forgery, impersonation and other corruption-related offences linked to the disputed council. He noted that while the investigation has not been concluded, the evidence gathered so far was considered sufficient for the commission to recommend Adeyemi’s prosecution.
“The investigation is still ongoing, but based on our preliminary findings, we have recommended that the individual involved be prosecuted,” Aliyu said, adding that the commission remains committed to uncovering the full extent of the alleged fraud and identifying any other persons who might have played a role in the matter.
The investigation follows concerns raised over the PFIPC’s operations and the authenticity of documents Adeyemi allegedly used in engagements with public institutions, investors and other stakeholders.
