ICPC Uncovers Another Fake Agency, Tinubu Orders Arrest, Suspension of 3 Perm Secs
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered another alleged fake federal agency operating in Nigeria, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the arrest of its suspected promoter and the immediate suspension of three permanent secretaries in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
The agency, identified as the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, is allegedly being promoted by George Buchi Nwabueze, with suspected collaboration from some senior public servants within the OSGF.
ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, disclosed the development on Friday in Abuja after briefing President Tinubu at the State House, Aso Villa.
According to Aliyu, the discovery emerged from fresh findings in the Commission’s ongoing investigation into the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), which was reportedly promoted by Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew.
The ICPC chairman said the latest findings necessitated a further briefing of the President on the activities surrounding the purported agency.
Following the briefing, President Tinubu directed security authorities to arrest Nwabueze and ordered the immediate suspension of three permanent secretaries in the OSGF identified by the ICPC as Ms Danjuma, Engr Nandungu Gagare and Richard Pheelangwa.
The Commission said its investigation also revealed that the suspected promoter allegedly operates under several variations of his name, including Prince George Buchi Nwabueze, George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze.
The latest development comes amid heightened scrutiny of individuals and entities allegedly presenting themselves as government agencies or operating with the apparent backing of public institutions.
The ICPC did not provide further details on the specific roles allegedly played by the three suspended permanent secretaries or the extent of their suspected involvement in the activities of the purported agency.
The Commission said investigations into the matter were ongoing and stressed that it would continue to act within the provisions of the law.
“The ICPC remains committed to the rule of law and due process in the fight against corruption,” the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, said in the statement issued on Friday.
The Commission’s latest disclosure follows its investigation into the alleged fake PFIPC and signals an expanding probe into the activities of individuals suspected of creating or operating unauthorised entities under the guise of federal government agencies.
Authorities are expected to establish the legal status of the purported National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, determine how it operated, identify its beneficiaries and ascertain whether public officials facilitated its activities.
The arrest of the alleged promoter and the suspension of the three permanent secretaries are expected to pave the way for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operation of the purported agency.
