The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered another alleged fake government agency operating within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The agency, operating under the name National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, was allegedly established without presidential authorisation.
ICPC Chairman and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr Musa Aliyu, disclosed this while briefing State House Correspondents, saying the discovery was made in the course of an ongoing investigation into the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and procedural weaknesses within the public service.
According to him, the alleged fake office was promoted by one George Buchi Umagwizi, who reportedly operated under different variations of his name.
Dr Aliyu said the office allegedly operated with the involvement of suspected collaborators within the Office of the SGF.
He explained that after the commission briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the development, the President directed the immediate arrest of Umagwizi.
The ICPC Chairman further disclosed that the President had also directed the suspension of three Permanent Secretaries allegedly linked to the matter.
They are M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah.
Dr Aliyu said the latest discovery was part of the commission’s broader efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and good governance in the Nigerian public service.
He stressed the need for stronger institutional safeguards to prevent individuals from exploiting weaknesses in government structures to create unauthorised offices and agencies.
The ICPC said investigations into the matter are ongoing.