The Controversy Behind Nigeria’s ₦1.3 Billion ‘Ghost Agency’ Scandal

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, an individual currently facing criminal charges in federal court, has become the center of a national scandal involving allegations of impersonation, forgery, and the operation of a fictitious government agency.

Adeyemi, who has styled himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) also referred to as the Presidential Economic Advisory Council is currently standing trial on an eight-count charge. Despite the legal proceedings, he maintains that his position is legitimate.

The scandal has drawn significant public scrutiny due to the agency’s inclusion in the 2026 Appropriation Act, where it was allocated over ₦1.3 billion for personnel, overhead, and capital expenditures. This budget provision has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning how a body that the Presidency insists does not exist could successfully pass through multiple stages of federal budget approval.

The Office of the Chief of Staff to the President has consistently maintained that the PFIPC has no legal basis and was never established by the Federal Government. Investigators allege that Adeyemi forged high-level government documents and appointment letters to create the appearance of legitimacy. According to authorities, he operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, where he reportedly held meetings with various government officials, diplomats, and foreign investors.

Adeyemi was arrested in October 2025 following a formal petition from the Presidency. During subsequent investigations, security agencies reportedly uncovered numerous bank accounts linked to him, which officials claim were established using fraudulent representations.

In his defense, Adeyemi has rejected allegations of fraud, asserting that his frequent interactions with senior government officials and ambassadors serve as evidence of his official standing. He maintains that the matter should be settled through the judicial process rather than public perception.

This is not the first time Adeyemi has been associated with claims of affiliation with high-profile entities. In 2016, he faced similar scrutiny regarding an alleged partnership with the United Nations for a youth organization, a claim that was reportedly denied by the global body at the time.

As the legal battle continues, the case has prompted calls from various civil society groups and legal experts for a comprehensive investigation into how the purported agency was integrated into the national budget. Adeyemi’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 27, 2026.