Weak systems helped Adeyemi set up ‘fake agency,’ says ICPC

Weak institutional controls within Nigeria's public sector enabled an individual to allegedly establish a fake agency and manipulate government processes, according to Musa Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Aliyu stated that the case of Adeniyi Adeyemi, who presented himself as the Director-General of the disowned Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), highlighted how loopholes could be exploited for corruption. He emphasized that government officials must exercise due diligence when presented with official-looking documents, as some should immediately raise suspicion and prompt further checks.

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Recently, we have seen what happened on the issue of the vacancy. The system is very, very big. That was why an individual, allegedly, was able to build the system and to get documents to pass through various agencies, and for the agencies to act without due diligence.

The ICPC chairman warned that such exploitation of institutional weaknesses poses a significant threat to Nigeria's efforts to attract foreign direct investment. He asserted that strengthening government systems is crucial to prevent the manipulation of public processes and the diversion of public resources.

This statement follows President Bola Tinubu's order for the ICPC to investigate the fictitious PFIPC. The Presidency had previously disowned the council, stating it was never established by the Federal Government. Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate Adeyemi's alleged use of forged appointment letters and official documents within 30 days.

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Sometimes, we get all these documents. There is a document when you see it, you don’t need anybody to tell you that, ‘Look, I need to do further’.