Tinubu Orders Arrest of Nwabueze Over Alleged Fake Government Agency
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate arrest of Prince George Buchi Nwabueze following the discovery of an alleged fake government agency operating from the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
The purported agency, known as the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, was uncovered by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) during an investigation into another suspected fake government body.
ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, disclosed the development on Friday while briefing State House correspondents after meeting with President Tinubu.
Aliyu said the discovery was made during the commission’s investigation into the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, reportedly operated by an individual identified as Adeyemi Matthew.
According to him, investigators found that office space within the OSGF premises had been allocated to the purported National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office.
The ICPC chairman, however, did not provide details on how the office was allocated or identify all those allegedly involved in establishing and running the purported agency.
Following the discovery, President Tinubu directed the immediate arrest of Nwabueze in connection with the matter and ordered relevant authorities to deepen investigations into the alleged unauthorised operation.
The President also ordered the immediate suspension of three Permanent Secretaries identified as M.S. Danjuma, Engineer Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah over the incident.
The development comes amid intensified efforts by the ICPC to investigate individuals suspected of using government offices and facilities to operate unauthorised organisations or conduct activities in the name of the Federal Government.
The commission is expected to release further information as the investigation progresses, particularly on how the purported agency secured access to government premises and the roles allegedly played by officials connected to its operations.
