The Nigerian Presidency has reiterated that Adeyemi Adeniyi Matthew is an impostor facing prosecution for forgery, impersonation, and fraud. He allegedly operated as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, an agency that does not exist.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, clarified the situation on Wednesday. The Office of the Chief of Staff initiated an investigation after the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission reported a conflict with a purported government entity performing similar duties. On October 17, 2025, the Chief of Staff petitioned the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force regarding forged appointment letters.
Matthew was accused of holding meetings with diplomats and seeking official backing, including assistance for United States visas, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These actions prompted concern from both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The Chief of Staff officially confirmed that no such agency exists and that he never appointed Matthew to any position.
Police apprehended Matthew on October 27, 2025, at his operational base. Evidence discovered at his residence and office included documents linked to the scheme. Investigators revealed that Matthew blamed a deceased individual named Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola for the forged documents. Authorities also uncovered 34 bank accounts tied to the suspect, some using names of other fictitious agencies.
On November 27, 2025, the police filed an eight-count charge against Matthew and two others at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with a hearing set for July 27. The Presidency noted that this is not Matthew’s first attempt at deception, citing a 2016 incident where he falsely claimed to be a United Nations representative. The public is advised to disregard his claims as the legal proceedings continue.
