….How Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly forged presidential documents, floated a fictitious government agency and attempted to gain official recognition
The Federal Government has unveiled what it describes as an elaborate fraud involving Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who allegedly forged presidential documents, impersonated a senior government official and operated a non-existent federal agency in a scheme that authorities say sought to exploit the name and authority of the Presidency.
According to the Presidency and the Nigeria Police Force, the defendant allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC)—an agency that the Federal Government insists has never existed.
Officials say the alleged operation came to light after concerns were raised over the activities of the purported agency, prompting the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President to petition security agencies for a comprehensive investigation.
Who Is Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew?
Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew is a Nigerian whose name has recently come into public focus following his arraignment by the Nigeria Police before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations bordering on forgery, impersonation and the operation of a fictitious government agency.
Before the criminal proceedings, he had maintained a public profile that portrayed him as the head of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), claiming involvement in investment promotion, international partnerships and foreign intervention initiatives.
According to the Presidency, however, no such agency exists under the Federal Government, and it maintains that neither the President nor the Office of the Chief of Staff ever approved or established the organisation.
Investigators also allege that he used forged presidential appointment letters and official documents to support those claims. These allegations are currently before the court, and Prince Matthew has not been convicted of any offence.
Alleged Forged Presidential Appointment
Investigators allege that Prince Matthew relied on forged presidential appointment letters carrying fake official signatures, reference numbers, seals and other government insignia to create the impression that he had been duly appointed by the Presidency.
Authorities contend that the forged documents were used to secure credibility, gain access to government offices and conduct official engagements under the guise of a legitimate presidential agency.
How the Alleged Scheme Worked
According to investigators, the suspect allegedly established and promoted the fictitious council as though it were a recognised Federal Government institution, complete with official correspondence, official titles and administrative structures.
The Presidency further alleges that the forged documents were deployed in dealings with government institutions and private organisations, giving the false impression that the agency enjoyed presidential backing.
CBN Account and Multiple Bank Accounts
One of the major allegations is that forged government documents were allegedly used to facilitate the opening of a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) account through official channels.
Authorities, however, say investigations found that no public funds were diverted into the account.
Investigators also allege that numerous bank accounts linked to the fictitious agency and other non-existent government bodies were operated as part of the alleged scheme.
Presidency Clears Chief of Staff
The Presidency has categorically distanced the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, from the alleged appointments.
Officials insist that the appointment letter presented by the defendant was forged and reaffirm that the Chief of Staff neither created nor authorised the establishment of the purported agency.
Criminal Charges Before Court
The Nigeria Police have arraigned Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges including conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and operating a fictitious government agency.
The matter is now before the court for determination.
Under Nigerian law, the defendant remains presumed innocent unless and until the court finds him guilty.
The case has renewed concerns over the misuse of government identities, forged official documents and the need for stronger verification systems across public institutions to prevent individuals from falsely claiming official authority.