FEC Orders Forensic Probe Into Government Processes Over PFIPC Scandal

The Federal Executive Council says the investigation will identify weaknesses that allowed fake entities to operate within government and help prevent similar occurrences.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has ordered a comprehensive forensic investigation into government processes, procedures and internal controls following the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) investigation into the activities of the disputed Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this after Wednesday’s FEC meeting, saying the ICPC investigation had uncovered additional fictitious bodies within the government system.

According to Oyedele, the forensic review will determine how such entities were able to operate, identify weaknesses in existing systems and strengthen governance mechanisms to prevent a recurrence.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and other relevant agencies to work together on the review, covering administrative, accounting and governance processes.

The investigation will also extend to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), amid concerns that fictitious agencies could have been used to create bogus employment records.

Oyedele warned that ghost workers and non-existent government institutions could undermine efforts to improve the welfare and salaries of legitimate civil servants.

The PFIPC controversy began after Adeniyi Adeyemi, who described himself as the agency’s director-general, alleged that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, demanded 48 per cent of the council’s ₦27.3 billion take-off grant.

Adeyemi further alleged that Gbajabiamila received ₦400 million through a proxy and requested another ₦200 million to facilitate presidential approvals.

Gbajabiamila has denied the allegations, stating in a sworn statement that he had no personal, official or professional relationship with Adeyemi.

He also denied demanding or receiving money, abusing his office or interfering with law enforcement agencies.

The Chief of Staff further rejected allegations concerning the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom Adeyemi claimed served as an intermediary, as well as claims linking him to an alleged assassination attempt and interference with investigations.

Following the allegations, President Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate the matter.