The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has uncovered another alleged fictitious government agency, prompting President Bola Tinubu to order the arrest of its suspected promoter and the suspension of three permanent secretaries.
The purported National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office allegedly secured office space within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation without presidential approval.
ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, identified the suspected promoter as Prince George Buchi Nwabueze, who allegedly operated under different variations of his name.
Following the briefing, President Tinubu ordered Nwabueze’s immediate arrest and suspended M. S. Danjuma, Engr. Nadungu Gagare and Richard Pheelangwah pending further investigation.
The commission is investigating the roles of the suspended officials and others in the creation and operation of the purported agency. It is also examining how an unauthorised organisation obtained accommodation within government premises.
“I have briefed Mr President comprehensively on these new developments. ICPC will continue with its investigation”, Aliyu said.
The discovery followed the commission’s probe into the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC. The Presidency had earlier disowned the PFIPC, describing it as fictitious and unauthorised by President Tinubu.
Tinubu subsequently directed the ICPC to identify those behind the organisation and determine whether serving or former public officials facilitated its activities.
The latest discovery has raised fresh concerns over loopholes that could allow unauthorised organisations to gain access to government structures and create an appearance of official recognition.
