The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered an alleged fake government agency whose claimed organisational structure extended across several Nigerian states as well as the United States and China.
The organisation, identified as the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, was allegedly operating from office space within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
ICPC Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu disclosed the discovery after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the commission’s investigation.
According to the commission, the office had been allocated space within the OSGF without presidential authorisation.
Agency allegedly had nationwide structure
Further checks reportedly showed that the organisation had built an extensive structure despite the authorities’ position that it was not a legitimate government agency.
Its website listed George Buchi Nwabueze as its Executive Director and National Coordinator.
The purported structure also included a director of national administration, three zonal directors, 20 state coordinators and representatives in both the United States and China.
The findings have raised questions about how an organisation allegedly lacking official government authorisation was able to establish such a wide network and secure office space within a federal government facility.
Nwabueze identified as alleged promoter
The ICPC identified Nwabueze as the alleged promoter of the organisation and said he operated under several variations of his name.
Following the briefing, President Tinubu ordered his immediate arrest.
The President also ordered the suspension of three permanent secretaries in connection with the discovery.
The suspended officials were identified in reports as M.S. Danjuma, Nandungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah.
Discovery linked to earlier fake agency investigation
The latest case emerged from the ICPC’s investigation into another alleged fictitious organisation, the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
That earlier investigation prompted authorities to examine possible weaknesses within government systems that could allow unauthorised organisations to present themselves as federal agencies.
The ICPC said the investigation eventually led to the discovery of the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office.
Authorities probe possible wider network
The discovery has raised concerns about whether individuals within government structures may have facilitated the operation.
ICPC officials have said the investigation is continuing.
The commission is expected to establish how the alleged agency obtained access to government premises, the nature of its activities, whether it received public resources and whether public officials were involved.