ICPC Uncovers Alleged Fake Government Office Operating Under OSGF for Years
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered an office it alleges was operating as a fake government establishment while presenting itself as an officially recognised federal government agency.
The office, known as the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, was reportedly operating within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and had allegedly presented itself to the public as a legitimate government institution.
According to the findings of the investigation, the organisation claimed that its activities had received approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as far back as 2017, during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The alleged operation is now under investigation as authorities seek to establish how the organisation was able to operate for several years, maintain an elaborate administrative structure and present itself as a federal government project without the necessary authorisation.
The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, disclosed the discovery while speaking with journalists in Abuja.
He explained that investigators stumbled upon the organisation while investigating another establishment suspected of being fraudulent, known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
According to him, the investigation revealed that the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office was another organisation allegedly operating without the appropriate government approval.
The commission is also investigating how the organisation gained access to the OSGF environment and was able to operate there for such an extended period.
Organisation Presented Itself as Federal Government Project
Investigators found that the organisation had gone to considerable lengths to create the appearance of a legitimate federal government institution.
Its activities were presented as covering areas such as economic development, support for local businesses, promotion of Nigerian-made products and efforts to revive businesses that had become inactive.
The organisation also displayed documents on its website which appeared to be official laws, approvals and authorisation documents.
Among the claims made on its platform was that the Federal Executive Council had approved an initiative in 2017 encouraging Nigerians to patronise and use products manufactured within the country.
These claims are now being examined by investigators as part of efforts to determine whether the documents and representations were genuine.
The ICPC is particularly interested in establishing how the organisation was able to operate under the impression that it had official government backing.
George Nwabueze Identified as Suspected Founder
The ICPC identified George Nwabueze as the person suspected of establishing the organisation.
Investigators also alleged that Nwabueze had used several names, including George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze and Prince George Buchi Nwabueze, among others.
On the organisation's website, the name Nwabueze George reportedly appeared as the Director-General and National Coordinator.
The website further described the organisation as having responsibilities connected to promoting economic growth, supporting indigenous businesses, encouraging locally manufactured goods and assisting businesses facing difficulties.
The claims helped create the impression that the organisation was an established government-backed institution.
However, the ICPC said its investigation had raised serious questions about the legal status of the office and the authority under which it operated.
Elaborate Leadership Structure Across Nigeria
One of the major findings of the investigation was the extensive leadership structure created by the organisation.
Rather than operating as a small private initiative, the office reportedly established positions at the national, regional and state levels.
At the national level, names including Dr Bassey B. Unaowo, Dr Hajara Njidda Amoni and George Nwabueze were listed as officials responsible for the organisation's activities.
The organisation also created regional leadership positions covering areas including the South-West, North and South-East.
At the state level, individuals were appointed as State Coordinators for the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project Office.
The appointments reportedly spread across several parts of the country, including the North-West, North-Central, North-East, South-South, South-East and South-West.
The extensive structure gave the organisation the appearance of a nationwide federal government programme with officials representing different parts of Nigeria.
Investigators are now examining how the organisation was able to establish such a structure and whether any individuals within government assisted or facilitated its activities.
Social Media Presence Added to Its Public Image
The organisation also maintained a presence across major social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn, where it operated under the handle @pmainpro.
The ICPC said these platforms were among the tools allegedly used to project the organisation as a legitimate government establishment.
Through its online presence, the organisation was able to publicise its activities, leadership structure and stated objectives to members of the public.
The commission is examining whether these representations were deliberately designed to convince Nigerians that the organisation had official federal government backing.
Investigation Linked to Another Alleged Fake Organisation
The discovery was made as part of a wider investigation into the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
In that separate investigation, an individual identified as Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who allegedly presented himself as a Director-General, is facing allegations involving the production of false documents and impersonation.
The ICPC's investigation into PFIPC reportedly led investigators to uncover the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office and other questionable activities within the government environment.
The commission is now investigating the relationship between the different individuals and organisations involved and whether there was a wider network involved in creating and operating establishments that appeared to have official government status.
Tinubu Orders Arrest of Nwabueze
Following the presentation of the ICPC's findings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President ordered the immediate arrest of George Nwabueze.
The President also ordered the suspension of three Permanent Secretaries pending the conclusion of investigations.
The officials named were M.S. Danjuma, Engr. Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah.
The development has raised questions about how an organisation suspected of being unauthorised could have operated within the OSGF environment for several years without being detected or stopped.
ICPC Probes How Office Operated for Years
The ICPC said its investigation would continue to establish how the alleged fake office obtained access to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and continued its activities over the years.
Investigators are also examining whether government officials or other individuals played any role in helping the organisation establish its administrative structure, appoint officials and operate across different states.
The commission is expected to investigate the documents used by the organisation, the claims of FEC approval, its leadership structure and the circumstances surrounding its presence within a government office environment.
Aliyu said the latest developments had already been communicated to the President and assured that the commission would continue with the investigation in accordance with the law.
“I have briefed Mr President on all these latest developments. The ICPC will continue with its investigation in accordance with due process,” Aliyu said.
The investigation is expected to determine the full extent of the alleged operation, how long it had been active, whether any public officials were involved and whether members of the public or government institutions suffered any consequences as a result of the organisation's activities.