The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered another alleged fake federal agency operating in Nigeria, leading President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the arrest of its suspected promoter and the immediate suspension of three Federal Permanent Secretaries.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by J. Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communications at the ICPC, following a briefing by the Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, at the State House in Abuja on Friday.
According to the ICPC, the purported agency is known as the “National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office.” The Commission alleged that the body was being promoted by Mr George Buchi Nwabueze, with suspected involvement from some senior public servants within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
Following the briefing by the ICPC chairman, President Tinubu directed the immediate arrest of Nwabueze and ordered the suspension of three permanent secretaries in the OSGF identified as Ms Danjuma, Engr. Nandungu Gagare and Richard Pheelangwa.
Fake Agency Probe Yields Fresh Findings
Speaking with journalists after briefing the President, Aliyu explained that the discovery emerged from fresh findings in the Commission’s ongoing investigation into another alleged fake government body, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), reportedly promoted by Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew.
The ICPC also alleged that the suspected promoter of the newly uncovered agency operates using different variations of his name. These include Prince George Buchi Nwabueze, George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze.
The Commission said the latest findings prompted the need for another briefing with President Tinubu, which subsequently led to the directives issued after the meeting at the Presidential Villa on Friday.
The ICPC stressed that its investigation into the alleged fake agency and the activities of those suspected to be involved would be conducted in accordance with the rule of law and due process.
The anti-corruption agency reaffirmed its commitment to uncovering fraudulent structures and promoting accountability within the public service as investigations continue into the alleged fake agency and the roles allegedly played by individuals connected to the matter.
“The ICPC remains committed to the rule of law and due process in the fight against corruption,” the statement said.
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