The Presidency has firmly distanced itself from a man identified as Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, describing him as an impostor who allegedly forged official government documents and falsely presented himself as the Director-General of a non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, also referred to as the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.
In a statement issued by the Presidency through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, government officials said investigations into the matter began after concerns emerged that the suspect had been operating an illegal organisation while claiming presidential authority.
According to the statement, the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President discovered that Adeyemi and his associates were allegedly using forged appointment letters, fake government seals and falsified official documents to present themselves as representatives of the Federal Government.
The Presidency said the activities of the alleged impostor not only amounted to criminal conduct but also posed a threat to the credibility of government institutions and official communications.
The statement explained that suspicions first arose when officials of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) reported that another organisation appeared to be carrying out responsibilities similar to those legally assigned to the commission.
Following the complaints, the Office of the Chief of Staff petitioned security agencies in October 2025, requesting a thorough investigation into what it described as the activities of fraudsters forging appointment letters purportedly issued from the Presidency.
Government officials alleged that the suspect established an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja and conducted meetings with Nigerian and foreign stakeholders while presenting himself as the head of a presidential agency that does not exist under Nigerian law.
The Presidency also stated that the group allegedly sought diplomatic assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including requests connected to visa processing for its officials, actions that reportedly raised further concerns among government authorities.
According to the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs became suspicious after Adeyemi reportedly held a meeting with foreign diplomats in Abuja without following established diplomatic procedures.
The ministry subsequently requested clarification from both the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Office of the Chief of Staff regarding the legal status of the organisation.
The Presidency maintained that the alleged actions violated established diplomatic protocols and prompted further scrutiny by relevant government institutions.
Officials stressed that only duly recognised government agencies are authorised to conduct official engagements on behalf of the Federal Government.
The statement categorically denied claims that the Office of the Chief of Staff ever appointed Adeyemi to any government position.
According to the Presidency, appointments into federal offices are processed through legally recognised government procedures and not through unofficial channels.
It further clarified that the Office of the Chief of Staff neither creates government agencies nor issues appointment letters for non-existent institutions.
Officials therefore described every document allegedly linking Adeyemi to the Presidency as fraudulent.
The Presidency disclosed that following the petition, the Nigeria Police launched an investigation that resulted in Adeyemi’s arrest in Abuja.
Investigators reportedly searched both his office and residence, recovering documents and other materials believed to be connected to the alleged operation.
According to the State House statement, the investigation concluded that the agency Adeyemi claimed to head did not exist within the Federal Government structure.
Police also alleged that forged appointment letters and other fake official documents were recovered during the investigation.
Investigators further claimed that the suspect falsely represented himself as a government appointee while attempting to secure official recognition for the fictitious organisation.
The investigation also reportedly revealed that multiple bank accounts were linked to organisations allegedly created by the suspect.
Authorities stated that although a Central Bank account had reportedly been opened using false representations, no government funds were transferred into the account.
Following the completion of investigations, the police filed criminal charges against Adeyemi and two other suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to the Presidency, the case includes allegations relating to forgery, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
Government officials said the matter is now before the court and urged members of the public to allow the judicial process to determine the issues raised in the case.
The Presidency also cautioned against drawing conclusions before the court delivers its judgment.
The case highlights the growing challenge posed by document forgery, impersonation and fraudulent use of government identities in Nigeria.
Analysts say false claims of presidential appointments have the potential to mislead investors, damage Nigeria’s international image and undermine confidence in public institutions.
The incident also serves as a reminder to businesses, diplomats and members of the public to verify official appointments and government communications through recognised channels before entering into partnerships or transactions.
As government services become increasingly digitised, experts believe stronger verification systems and improved public awareness will be essential in preventing similar cases.
While the allegations remain before the court, the Presidency insists that the suspect never represented the Federal Government and that the agency he claimed to head has no legal existence.
The outcome of the trial is expected to clarify the criminal allegations and may also encourage stronger safeguards against the misuse of government identities and official documents.
For many Nigerians, the case underscores the importance of transparency, institutional accountability and vigilance in protecting the integrity of public offices.
Editor’s Note: This report is based on an official State House statement. The allegations against the accused are before the court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty through the judicial process.
