Tinubu Suspends Three Permanent Secretaries Over Newly Discovered Fake Government Agency

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the suspension of three permanent secretaries following the discovery of another unauthorised agency operating within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

The affected officials are M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare, and Richard P. Pheelangwah. The President also directed the immediate arrest of George Buchi Nwabueze, who is alleged to be the promoter of the agency.

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, disclosed the development after briefing the President on the commission’s ongoing investigation into fraudulent government agencies.

According to the ICPC, the agency, known as the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, was operating without presidential approval and had been allocated office space within the OSGF despite lacking legal authorisation.

Investigators identified George Nwabueze as the key figure behind the operation. The commission also revealed that he allegedly used multiple names and identities while promoting the organisation.

Aliyu stated that the discovery was made during a wider investigation ordered by the President into the activities of fake government agencies and offices.

Following the findings, President Tinubu approved the immediate suspension of the three permanent secretaries and ordered security agencies to arrest Nwabueze as investigations continue.

The latest discovery adds to a growing list of fraudulent agencies uncovered by authorities in recent months. Earlier investigations exposed the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and other unauthorised bodies linked to investment promotion activities.

The ICPC said it would continue its investigations to identify all individuals involved and ensure those responsible are held accountable.