ICPC uncovers fake agency in SGF office, Tinubu suspends 3 permanent secretaries

Discovery of Fraudulent Operations

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has identified a fake agency operating within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The entity, known as the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, was allegedly being promoted by Prince George Buchi Nwabueze.

Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, disclosed the findings during a briefing with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He explained that the discovery occurred during a wider investigation into the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), which highlighted significant procedural weaknesses within the nation's public service.

In relation to the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and procedural weaknesses in the public service, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered another fake agency/office operating under the name: National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, which had been illegally allocated office space within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

— Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)

Presidential Directives and Civil Service Suspensions

Following a comprehensive briefing on the matter, President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate arrest of the promoter, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze. Investigations revealed that Nwabueze operated under multiple aliases, including George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze, and George Nwabueze.

In addition to the arrest warrant, the President ordered the immediate suspension of three Permanent Secretaries linked to the administrative oversight of the affected area. The commission is working to determine how the unauthorized entity secured office space within one of the country's highest administrative offices.

Accordingly, Mr. President has directed as follows: The immediate arrest of Prince George Buchi Nwabueze; the immediate suspension of the following Permanent Secretaries: M.S Danjuma, Engr Nadungu Gagare, Richard P. Pheelangwah.

— Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)

Ongoing Investigation into Security Breaches

The ICPC is currently collaborating with the Office of the SGF to gather further intelligence regarding the activities of the unauthorized office. The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the fraudulent operations and identify any further lapses in governmental protocol that allowed such an agency to exist.

Dr. Aliyu emphasized that the probe remains active under presidential direction. The commission is prioritizing the recovery of vital information to ensure all parties involved in the breach are held accountable and to prevent similar occurrences within the federal bureaucracy.

The ICPC has engaged with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to gather vital information regarding these unauthorised offices. The investigation into these fraudulent activities remains active under the direction of the President.

— Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)