Atiku demands independent judicial probe over alleged N1.3bn ghost agency scandal
By Precious Mark
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded an independent, forensic public probe into an alleged N1.3 billion scandal involving a “ghost Federal Government Agency” operating from within the heart of the presidency.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Atiku Media Office, the opposition leader challenged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over its handling of the controversy surrounding Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew and the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
The opposition leader rejected the presidency’s attempt to dismiss the matter as a fraud perpetrated by a lone con artist, arguing that the details point to systemic corruption.
“The beleaguered and scandal-prone government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not continue to sweep under the carpet or treat as ‘family affairs’ the litany of unforced fraud and corruption errors bedeviling the administration,” Atiku stated.
He questioned how an unknown state actor could establish and operate a federal agency within the Federal Secretariat under the supervision of Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume without detection.
He further demanded answers on how the alleged fake agency managed to secure a budgetary code and an allocation of N1.3 billion in the 2026 national budget.
According to the statement, the individual at the center of the scandal operated openly, meeting with high-profile state officials, diplomats, and traditional rulers.
Among those listed were Speaker Benjamin Kalu, House of Representatives Deputy and Olanipekun Olukoyede, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Executive Chairman.
Atiku noted that official communications between the National Assembly and the PFIPC invalidate claims that the council was merely a ghost entity, adding that “Prince Adeyemi operated in the full glare of the public and not as a ghost.”
The statement also brought attention to allegations of a N400 million bribe that Matthew claimed he gave to Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila.
Atiku stated that Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga failed to clear the air on the bribery allegation in his official disclaimer, insisting that “the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and others alleged to be involved in this scandal cannot excuse themselves with a mere press statement.”
Concerns were also raised over the mysterious death of Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, who allegedly served as the intermediary in the appointment and bribery scandal.
Atiku warned that the administration cannot continue to be “judges in cases involving themselves or their cronies.”
He demanded a thorough, swift trial for Matthew, alongside an invitation to key figures within the executive and legislature to state their roles in the matter.
The opposition leader called for a judicial foreclosure of the issue ahead of the 2027 General Elections to prevent a total breach of public trust and voter apathy.