The Presidency has denied claims by Adeyemi Adeniyi Matthew that he was appointed to lead a presidential agency, describing him as an impostor who allegedly forged official documents to portray himself as the Director-General of a non-existent government body.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the matter came to light after the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) alerted the Office of the Chief of Staff that a separate organisation was operating as though it were a federal agency.
According to the statement, the Chief of Staff petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police on October 17, 2025, requesting an investigation into individuals accused of producing fake appointment letters bearing forged signatures, official seals and reference numbers.
The Presidency alleged that the forged documents were used to claim appointments into a fictitious body known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, also referred to as the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.
It further claimed that Adeyemi operated from an office at the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, where he allegedly met with Nigerians and foreign nationals while presenting himself as a senior government official.
He was also accused of seeking a note verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist members of the alleged agency in obtaining United States visas.
The Presidency described the incident as a serious case of impersonation and forgery, adding that the Chief of Staff urged security agencies to identify everyone involved and ensure they face prosecution.
The statement added that the petition included copies of the alleged forged appointment letter, visa-related documents and photographs obtained from the fake agency’s website.
It also revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs became suspicious after Adeyemi allegedly organised a meeting with ambassadors at the Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro on October 10, 2025, without the ministry’s approval.
After inquiries by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Chief of Staff maintained that he never issued any appointment letter to Adeyemi and reiterated that the purported agency does not exist, noting that appointments into federal offices are processed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
