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Stop inviting African Dictators, Falana Faults NBA Over George Weah Invitation
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana has strongly criticised the Nigerian Bar Association for inviting former Liberian President George Weah as a keynote speaker at its annual conference. Falana accused Weah’s administration of undermining judicial independence in Liberia. Speaking in a video posted on the NBA’s YouTube channel on Monday, after Weah’s address at the 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday, Falana was blunt. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m delighted to be here. But let me say this, because you know I have to be frank with the audience. And this goes for the leadership of the Bar. I want to appeal that the Bar Association must stop inviting dictators in Africa to come and address us,” he said. He claimed that under Weah’s rule from 2018 to 2024, the Liberian judiciary was effectively captured, forcing citizens to seek justice outside the country at the ECOWAS Court. Falana cited a case involving Mandingo people whose land was allegedly seized during the war. The ECOWAS Court ruled in their favour, he said, but Weah refused to enforce the judgment. The current Boakai administration has only recently set up a committee to implement it.Falana also referenced the dismissal of an associate justice of Liberia’s Supreme Court. The ECOWAS Court later nullified the dismissal, ordered the justice’s reinstatement, and awarded $200,000 in compensation yet Weah’s government again failed to comply, according to the senior lawyer. “Now, that is the man coming here to talk to us about the rule of law and democracy,” Falana remarked. He further alleged that drug trafficking flourished during Weah’s tenure. Falana noted that on 19 August, Weah’s former vice president, Jewel Howard-Taylor (referred to as Madam Edith in the remarks), was arrested and is standing trial over alleged drug trafficking involving $370 million. He also criticised Weah for leaving Liberia for nine days during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to support his son Timothy, who played for the United States, claiming public funds were used for the trip. Falana urged the NBA to be more selective, pointing to Namibia’s female president, vice president and speaker, as well as Nigeria’s late Obafemi Awolowo, as more suitable figures to invite. Weah, in his keynote address themed around the conference’s “Beyond Limits” focus, had called on lawyers and judges to remain impartial and stressed the need for an independent judiciary protected by a fearless legal profession. He warned that democracy is tested daily and cannot survive on “strong men” but on strong institutions, describing corrupt governments that collude with judges to undermine the rule of law as a major threat. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who declared the conference open, similarly called for a courageous and independent judiciary.The 66th NBA Annual General Conference took place in Port Harcourt.
2026-08-25 12:30:59

'Fuel Subsidy Taking a Toll on Nigerians' – Ologbondiyan
A leading figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kola Ologbondiyan, on Monday said the removal of fuel subsidy continues to inflict severe hardship on Nigerians. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Ologbondiyan endorsed the stance of ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar on the matter and warned President Bola Tinubu’s administration that the policy is damaging both ordinary citizens and the government itself. Tinubu and Atiku have repeatedly clashed over the subsidy removal, which the president announced at his inauguration at Eagle Square in 2023.Ologbondiyan stressed that no one, including Atiku, is calling for a return to the previous subsidy system. “Let me start on a very clean note, which is that nobody is returning Nigeria to the old system. Nobody is contemplating that, not the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Nobody is,” he said. He explained that he had earlier urged the Tinubu government to review the subsidy arrangement, predicting it would harm Nigerians and the administration more. Atiku’s position, he clarified, focuses on examining the entire production-to-consumer chain to identify areas where costs can be cut so that end users pay less than the current crushing prices. “These are the issues, and not all these political arguments that I want to take you back to those times when they were doing corruption,” Ologbondiyan stated. He asked whether the promised benefits of subsidy removal had materialised, noting that the policy has forced Nigerians “to their knees.” He contrasted fuel prices before and after the change: Nigerians paid about ₦200 or less per litre before 29 May 2023, but now pay around ₦1,300. The sharp rise, he said, is taking a heavy toll on the population. Ologbondiyan dismissed claims that Atiku had suddenly reversed his 2023 position, calling such suggestions laughable. He also recalled that Tinubu’s camp had campaigned against subsidy removal before taking office and had entered government promising reforms in that area. “Atiku’s programme differs from what they are saying. I’m not sure they even have the patience to study what the man is proposing,” he concluded.
2026-08-24 10:47:24

Atiku tackles Oyedele, says Nigerians deserve to know details of $5bn Abu Dhabi loan
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has told President Bola Tinubu to be transparent in the deployment of the $5 billion Abu Dhabi loan as Nigerians and future generations of the country would bear its burden. On Wednesday, Taiwo Oyedele, Nigeria’s finance minister, said the federal government would not publish details of how funds drawn from its $5 billion financing facility with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) would be spent. Oyedele was responding to questions on the government’s borrowing plan and the controversial financing arrangement with FAB during a media briefing in Abuja. Asked whether the government would make details of the transaction and the deployment of the funds public, the minister said there was no need to treat the facility differently from other sources of government financing. Oyedele said the transaction had already gone through the required approval process, including consideration by the national assembly. The $5 billion facility is part of a wider $6 billion external borrowing package approved by the national assembly in March. The government subsequently accessed about $1.5 billion as the first tranche of the FAB facility. In a statement on Sunday by his media office, Atiku accused the administration of incompetence and financial impropriety, citing a lack of transparency in recent loan agreements. He specifically criticised the government’s handling of the $5 billion facility from First Abu Dhabi Bank, insisting that taxpayers deserve full disclosure of how such funds will be utilised. “Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has contracted significant new debt,” the statement reads. “According to the Debt Management Office, the Tinubu administration has added N72 Trillion of fresh debt stock, bringing the total indebtedness to N159.35 trillion as at early 2026.” Despite the borrowings, Atiku argued that Nigerians have remained poorer and less secure. According to him, poverty levels have risen from 56 percent in 2023 to between 61 percent and 63 percent under the Tinubu administration, leaving over 140 million citizens trapped in multidimensional poverty. Atiku criticised Oyedele for dismissing public calls to explain the Abu Dhabi loan. “The government is obliged to explain every loan taken on behalf of Nigerians,” Atiku said. “Every Kobo borrowed matters because citizens — both living and unborn — will bear the burden of repayment. Yet these loans have failed to improve their material wellbeing.” He further noted that the federal government is required to pledge securities worth about 133 percent of the loan amount as collateral, making transparency even more critical. Atiku reminded Nigerians that both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Fitch Ratings have raised concerns about the financing structure, citing risks to transparency and sovereign debt sustainability. The former vice president urged Nigerians to hold the government accountable, stressing that borrowing without clear results undermines trust and jeopardises the nation’s economic future.
2026-08-24 10:46:14

Tinubu’s administration has achieved macroeconomic stability - Oby Ezekwesili
Obiageli Ezekwesili, former minister of education, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for getting macroeconomic stability. Ezekwesili spoke on Saturday when she appeared on ‘60 Seconds with Kay’, a TV programme by News Central. “The only thing we can give to them is that we are getting a hold of macroeconomic stability,” she said. “For example, the volatility we have with foreign exchange rates is quieter because they are abiding by market principles for FX policies. “Inflation, even though they then used the methodology to crash it in terms of the numbers, the real thing is that the cost of living for the average citizen is still pretty high. “By the way, that inflation that spiked did not have to happen, it was a poor management of combination of policies that led to that runway kind of inflation that we have.” The former minister also said Nigeria is suffering from structural misalignment due to wrong economic policy choices. “We are suffering from structural misalignment, coming from a lot of the things that are still not being done right in terms of economic policy choices,” Ezekwesili said. She added that having multiple budgets running in the country is another issue. Ezekwesili also said Nigerians living in poverty see elections as a source of income. She said the majority of Nigerians, about 64 percent or 145 million people, are poor, adding that they are focused on getting by every day. “They don’t want to be disturbed by any other things. The only time that issues of governance matter to them is elections and the elections have become a market day to improve income by little bit of notches for that day,” Ezekwesili said. “They don’t know they are voting for four years. They are voting for that day’s income and the additionality that they will get.” She added that there is the middle class and then the upper class, “if there’s anything called that”. The former vice-president of the World Bank said in a normal society, the upper class comprises distinguished people. In Nigeria’s case, she said, members of the upper class are people who boast of their status without being productive. “So, it is a very dodgy class to talk about,” Ezekwesili said. The former minister said the lower class are the ones who faithfully come out to vote during elections.
2026-08-24 10:46:10

Binance halts transactions with 17 crypto platforms in Nigeria, UAE, Iran
Binance says it has stop processing transactions involving 17 cryptocurrency-asset service providers and platforms following recent regulatory developments. In a notice to users on Saturday, the cryptocurrency exchange listed the affected entities and dates from which transactions involving them will no longer be processed. The crypto platform said the restrictions take effect in phases, with Shelbit (Shelbit General Trading LLC), which operates in the UAE and Iran, and Aban Tether Exchange, which operates in Iran, affected from August 7. According to the statement, A7 Nigeria, which operates in Nigeria, A7 Africa, which operates in Nigeria and Zimbabwe, and PilotFinance Ltd, based in Nigeria, was affected from August 13. From August 23, the firm said the restrictions will apply to Rapira and Aifory Pro (Sooty Ltd.), both of which operates in Georgia, ABCeX (Nueva Cryptologia S.A.S DE C.V.), which has links to El Salvador and Georgia, WhiteBird and Tradex (Brightum LLC), based in Belarus, and NoOnecrypto INC., which operates internationally. Binance said the restrictions will also apply to Monease Ltd, based in the UK, BitPapa, which operates in the UAE, Exnode and Exnode Pay (Arvix), based in Georgia, HTX (Huobi Global SA), founded in China, and EXMO Ltd, which operates in the UK and Europe. The company instructed users not to directly or indirectly send to, receive from, or otherwise engage in transactions through Binance involving the listed entities after the respective effective dates. “Any transactions attempted on or after these dates, may be held and subject to a compliance review,” Binance said. The exchange said restrictions may be applied to affected wallets while the review is ongoing, adding that such activity may also constitute a breach of its terms of use. Binance asked users not to disclose, publish or share their wallet addresses with any third party or platform in a manner that may associate them with the prohibited crypto-asset service providers or platforms. The company warned that failure to keep wallet addresses confidential could expose users to dusting attacks or unauthorised account activities. “Binance is required to adhere to the regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions in which it operates,” the statement reads. “These measures are necessary to meet those requirements and to help maintain a safe and secure environment for our users and their assets” The exchange said users with questions can contact its support. The firm’s move follows recent regulatory actions, including new European Union (EU) and United States (US) sanctions targeting crypto-asset service providers accused of helping Russia circumvent sanctions. On August 7, the US Treasury sanctioned Shelbit, a Dubai-based crypto exchange, alleging that it facilitated transactions involving Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other Iranian-linked entities. Aban Tether Exchange, an Iran-based exchange, was also sanctioned over transactions involving sanctioned Iranian entities. On July 23, the Council of the EU announced the adoption of its 21st package of “restrictive measures” or economic sanctions against Russia for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. As part of the sanctions, the EU restricted some crypto platforms including PilotFinance Ltd, Rapira, Aifory Pro (Sooty Ltd), WhiteBird, NoOnecrypto INC, Tradex (Brightum LLC), Monease Ltd, and BitPapa.
2026-08-24 10:46:06

World: Locust Watch: Seasonal precipitation predictions in the Desert Locust summer and winter breeding areas (September 2026 - February 2027) (19 August 2026)
Countries: World, Algeria, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Please refer to the attached file. The rapid intensification of El Niño has continued in the recent weeks, and the episode is already the strongest on record for this time of year, while the positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is expected to persist in the coming months. In September, above-normal rainfall is forecast from northern Africa to the central Middle East, with wetter conditions also expected in eastern Ethiopia and Somalia due to the positive IOD. A dry signal may remain over India and Pakistan toward the close of the monsoon season. During October and November, the El Niño-related wet signal is expected to expand across northern and eastern Africa and the Middle East. Interior eastern Africa, the southern Arabian Peninsula, and Pakistan are likely to become wetter than normal. However, northwestern Africa may turn drier than normal by November. Overall, the forecast is consistent with rainfall patterns observed during previous strong El Niño events, with generally good model agreement. Some uncertainty remains over the northern Sahel and the strength of the IOD.
2026-08-20 00:15:00

Colombia: Adenda al Plan de Respuesta Humanitaria - Terremoto agosto, 2026
Country: Colombia Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Please refer to the attached file. 1. Situación general El 10 de agosto de 2026, un terremoto de magnitud 7,4 sacudió Colombia, con epicentro en San José del Palmar, departamento de Chocó, afectando gravemente las regiones central y occidental del país. El sismo se produjo a las 7:34 a.m. y fue seguido por una actividad sísmica sostenida: al 12 de agosto se habían registrado 103 réplicas, incluidas seis de magnitud superior a 3 y una de magnitud superior a 4, todas localizadas en San José del Palmar. Los impactos más severos se han concentrado en los departamentos de Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, Chocó y Caldas, así como daños en Antioquia, Quindío, Cundinamarca, Huila, Tolima, Cauca, Putumayo, Norte de Santander y Bolívar, aumentando la extensión total reportada a 15 departamentos y 472 municipios. El terremoto ha provocado importantes pérdidas humanas, riesgos de desplazamiento y daños significativos en viviendas e infraestructura esencial. Según datos oficiales, al menos 292.043 personas, equivalentes a 123.789 familias, han resultado afectadas, incluyendo personas fallecidas, heridas o desaparecidas, así como aquellas cuyos hogares, servicios y medios de vida se han visto interrumpidos. De acuerdo con los reportes más recientes del 18 de agosto, 304 personas habían perdido la vida y 4.548 habían resultado heridas. Los daños a las viviendas son extensos: 134.342 viviendas han sufrido afectaciones y 29.554 han sido destruidas, dejando a numerosas familias sin condiciones seguras para regresar a sus hogares e incrementando las necesidades de alojamiento temporal, artículos domésticos esenciales, agua y servicios de protección. El impacto va más allá de las viviendas y afecta los servicios públicos de los que dependen las comunidades para recuperarse y estabilizar sus condiciones de vida. Los reportes dan cuenta de 267 edificios residenciales colapsaron; además, 3.443 instituciones educativas, 303 establecimientos de salud y 3.905 centros comunitarios han resultado afectados, mientras que 86 sistemas de abastecimiento de agua han sufrido daños. Adicionalmente, 413 vías se han visto afectadas en todo el país. Los servicios de electricidad, agua potable, salud y conectividad continúan interrumpidos o presentan funcionamiento intermitente en varias ciudades. Estas afectaciones están ralentizando las evaluaciones, dificultando el acceso a las zonas afectadas e incrementando los riesgos para las familias ya expuestas a réplicas, estructuras inseguras y acceso limitado a servicios básicos. Las operaciones de respuesta comenzaron de manera inmediata bajo el liderazgo del Gobierno Nacional y del Sistema Nacional de Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (SNGRD). Las labores de búsqueda y rescate continúan en marcha y han permitido el rescate de 332 personas, mientras las autoridades siguen brindando asistencia inmediata y consolidando información a través de la Sala de Crisis. El Comité Nacional para el Manejo de Desastres coordina las acciones con entidades nacionales, departamentales y municipales, y los Puestos de Mando Unificado (PMU) permanecen activos para monitorear los impactos, priorizar necesidades y orientar las decisiones operativas. Los socios humanitarios están ampliando rápidamente el apoyo complementario para atender las brechas más urgentes de la respuesta liderada por el Gobierno. Las agencias de las Naciones Unidas, organizaciones no gubernamentales internacionales, nacionales y locales han comenzado a pre posicionar capacidades y desplegar equipos en las zonas más afectadas, particularmente en Quibdó, Cali y Buenaventura, Risaralda y Caldas. Los clústeres de Salud; Alojamiento y Asentamientos; Agua, Saneamiento e Higiene; Seguridad Alimentaria; Protección; y Educación del Equipo Humanitario de País han sido activados y están coordinando los esfuerzos de respuesta sectorial con sus contrapartes nacionales y locales. Las evaluaciones rápidas continúan ampliándose para aclarar las necesidades y orientar las prioridades de la respuesta. Los socios humanitarios siguen desplegando equipos, pre posicionando capacidades y apoyando los análisis sectoriales en las áreas más afectadas, mientras persisten importantes brechas de información en municipios rurales y de difícil acceso. Adicionalmente al terremoto, las comunidades del departamento del Cauca están enfrentando impactos humanitarios relacionados con emisiones de gases y ceniza derivadas del incremento de la actividad volcánica del volcán Puracé. Asimismo, en el departamento de Casanare, graves inundaciones han afectado a más de 40.000 personas durante el último mes; a este escenario se suman incendios forestales en algunas zonas como parte de la sequía que empieza a evidenciarse en el marco del desarrollo del Fenómeno de El Niño. Por otro lado, se han incrementado las acciones de fuerza pública por la política de seguridad del nuevo gobierno, principalmente en los departamentos generando doble afectación humanitaria para algunas comunidades principalmente de la región pacífica del país. Dada la magnitud y gravedad de la emergencia, se están movilizando recursos adicionales por parte de los donantes humanitarios para posibilitar una respuesta rápida y multisectorial centrada en salvar vidas y atender las necesidades más inmediatas. En apoyo a la respuesta inicial, el Coordinador del Socorro de Emergencia, Tom Fletcher, anunció una asignación de 5 millones de dólares del Fondo Central para la Acción en Casos de Emergencia (CERF, por sus siglas en inglés). Estos fondos ayudarán a los socios humanitarios a reforzar la asistencia urgente mientras continúan las evaluaciones y se ajustan las prioridades de respuesta en coordinación con las autoridades nacionales.
2026-08-20 00:06:12

Protection and Solutions - UNHCR in Colombia progress update (January - June 2026)
Country: Colombia Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Highlights UNHCR's response in Colombia focuses on refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced people. Colombia hosts the world's largest refugee population (2.8 million, mostly from Venezuela) and 7.1 million internally displaced people, the second-largest internally displaced population after Sudan. Forced displacement and confinement remain the main protection challenges driving this response. By 30 June 2026, according to UNHCR’s monitoring, some 17.797 people were affected by large displacement events and 59.989 by confinement due to violence, particuraly in Antioquia, Bolívar, Cauca, Chocó, Norte de Santander and Magdalena. UNHCR responded with emergency protection, shelter and cash assistance in the most affected areas. With the national Ombudsperson's Office and the European Union, UNHCR opened Confined Paradises in Bogotá, a photographic exhibition showing how armed groups trap entire communities in remote territories, restricting their access to food, health, education and livelihoods, and making one of Colombia's fastest-growing protection risks visible. As part of the Humanitarian Fund for Colombia (RhPF), UNHCR scaled up a life-saving response in municipalities at heightened severity. The six-month intervention is reaching over 59,000 people with community shelter and habitat kits, legal orientation and protection services, Information and Orientation Centres (PAOs) and cashbased interventions (CBI).
2026-08-18 22:03:10

Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Borno Forward Base
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the early hours of Saturday repelled a coordinated assault by fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. According to Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Muhammed Goni, the attack occurred around 0200 hours on 15 August 2026, when terrorists launched a simultaneous offensive from two fronts. Early warning and surveillance systems detected the movement, prompting the swift deployment of a combat team to intercept one axis of advance. A fierce firefight ensued, during which the attackers were decisively defeated. Goni explained that a second group of insurgents attempted to bypass the ambush and infiltrate the camp but was equally overwhelmed by superior firepower. The aggressive response forced the terrorists into disarray, leading to their withdrawal. Troops immediately pursued them, exploiting the contact area and withdrawal routes. Recovered items included AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, a camcorder, and other combat enablers. Surveillance footage later showed insurgents dragging away several of their dead towards the Timbuktu Triangle. Captain Goni stressed that no Nigerian Army casualties were recorded in the operation. He described the success as a demonstration of tactical proficiency and combat dominance, highlighting the readiness and professionalism of the 162 Amphibious Battalion. Theatre Command commended the troops for their bravery and assured that Operation Hadin Kai remains resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action and restoring lasting peace across the North-East.
2026-08-15 15:59:00

Nepal: Key Message Update - July rainfall increases rice planting, supporting household income, July 2026 - January 2027
Country: Nepal Source: Famine Early Warning System Network Please refer to the attached file. Key Messages Outcomes aligned with Stressed (IPC Phase 2) will most likely persist in areas of Koshi, Madhesh, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, with an increasing number of households expected to experience outcomes aligned with Crisis (IPC Phase 3) across high mountain districts through September as the lean season peaks from July to September . Households are expected to meet their food needs through market purchases with sufficient income until the harvest begins in September. However, below-average income from reduced yarsagumba (Caterpillar fungus) yields is driving an increasing share of the population facing food consumption deficits in the northern mountains. To cope with the income loss, atypically high and early migration to India for labor work is likely to occur immediately following the festival season in mid-November. Food security outcomes are expected to improve countrywide in October as the maize and rice harvests become available. Outcomes aligned with Minimal (IPC Phase 1) are expected to be widespread. However, outcomes aligned with Stressed (IPC Phase 2) are expected in the northwestern mountains of Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces through January 2027 as winter limits livelihood activities and households are unable to meet their non-food needs. The June-September monsoon rainfall is generally average thus far. Delayed onset of rainfall in June was followed by above-average levels in July, with localized below-average rainfall (Koshi, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces have rainfall deficits of up to 100 millimeters). While the late monsoon arrival delayed rice planting in rainfed areas in June, rainfall in July is sufficient for planting. According to the Department of Agriculture, as of late July, rice planting is nearing completion with over 90 percent of the target, which is above planting levels at the same time last year. The main rice-growing province, Madhesh, has surpassed planting levels as of the same time last year by over 30 percent. The ongoing and generally favorable rice planting season is supporting access to food and income from agricultural labor. While the favorable monsoon in July has supported rice planting, it has also resulted in localized landslides , including along the Karnali Highway in late July . Landslides are typical during the monsoon season; however, they do disrupt the movement of people and goods for a few hours to multiple days. Typically, alternative routes are provided quickly; however, short-term delays in the movement of goods can occur. Overall, the current scale of landslides is typical for the time of year and is not expected to significantly impact the movement of goods and people. In July, food prices remained elevated due to persistently high freight costs increased by the government in April 2026, despite reduced fuel prices. The prices of most major staples in July were similar to those in June. However, rice, wheat flour, beans, and cooking oil prices are 7 to 15 percent higher compared to the five-year average price. On the other hand, red potato prices increased by over 5 percent between June and July; however, they are slightly below the same time last year and the five-year average. The month-on-month increase in red potato prices is associated with the depletion of the winter season harvest and increased reliance on markets for purchases, primarily in the mountain zones. Tea exports to India have resumed, resulting in tea factories restarting operations in Koshi Province and supporting income for laborers and tea growers. According to the Department of Customs , Nepal's annual tea exports to India have declined to 12.57 million metric tons as of mid-July 2026 compared to 15.04 million metric tons in the last fiscal year, which ends in mid-July. Nevertheless, the resumption of trade activities in July is resulting in improvements to tea exports to typical levels, with a total export volume expected at around 1.5 million metric tons for July.
2026-08-11 01:55:36

ICPC Uncovers Two More Fake Agencies
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has uncovered two additional fake government agencies linked to Adeniyi Matthew Adeyemi, the self-proclaimed Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, as investigations into the alleged fraud deepen. ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, disclosed this on Thursday, while briefing State House correspondents after presenting the commission’s interim investigation report to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Aliyu said investigators established that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government and that the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council had no legal backing, having neither been created by an Act of the National Assembly nor by an executive order. According to the interim findings, the appointment letter used by Adeyemi was forged, while the fake PFIPC unlawfully took over the offices and official instruments previously used by the defunct Presidential Economic Advisory Council. The ICPC chairman said the syndicate operated from the former PEAC office and engaged in impersonation, false representation and other illegal activities by exploiting gaps in verification procedures and coordination among government agencies. He revealed that investigators also discovered two other fictitious government agencies, the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency. “These agencies were created using forged legislative instruments and were used to open bank accounts for illegal activities,” he said. Aliyu further disclosed that Adeyemi later altered the name of the fake organisation from the Foreign Investment Promotion Council to the Foreign Intervention Promotion Council in an attempt to broaden its scope to include revenue generation. He said, “The investigation found no funds were approved or disbursed for the fake PFIPC/PEAC, and there were no weaknesses in the State House or CBN system.” The commission recommended the prosecution of Adeyemi, disciplinary action against public officials alleged to have aided the operation of the fake agency, and reforms to strengthen internal controls across government institutions. According to the report, officials from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Budget Office of the Federation and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) were identified as collaborators in the scheme. Aliyu stressed that investigations were still ongoing. “The report is interim and the investigation continues to uncover more details to file criminal charges against Adeyemi and his collaborators,” he said. He added that President Tinubu had been briefed on the findings and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in resolving the matter. The ICPC launched an investigation after questions were raised over the existence and activities of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, an organisation that allegedly presented itself as a federal agency despite lacking any legal foundation. Earlier investigations established that the council was never created by law, while its alleged director-general, Adeniyi Matthew Adeyemi, was found to have used forged appointment documents and unlawfully occupied facilities belonging to the former Presidential Economic Advisory Council.
2026-08-06 17:59:43

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