The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered an alleged fake government agency that reportedly operated with a network of officials across 20 states, as well as representatives in the United States and China.
The organisation, identified as the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, allegedly presented itself as a government-backed initiative operating under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
According to findings reported by Punch, the organisation’s website listed Hon. Nwabueze George as its “Executive Director, National Coordinator.” It also featured a director of national administration, three zonal directors, 20 state coordinators and representatives in the United States and China.
The development followed a disclosure by ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu that President Bola Tinubu had ordered the immediate arrest of George Nwabueze, whom the commission identified as the promoter of the alleged fake office.
The ICPC also disclosed that Nwabueze had reportedly operated under several variations of his name, including George Nathan Nwabueze, George Buchi Nwabueze, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze.
The commission’s investigation further revealed that the alleged organisation had secured office space within the OSGF premises without presidential approval.
Following the discovery, President Tinubu ordered the suspension of three permanent secretaries — M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah — in connection with the matter.
Officials Listed on the Website
The organisation’s website reportedly named Dr Bassey B. Unaowo as Special Assistant to the Permanent Secretary on Political and Economic Affairs, OSGF, while Dr Hajara Njidda Amoni was listed as Director of National Administration.
It also named Oladunjoye Musiliua as Zonal Director, South-West; Hafsat Sahabi Dange as Zonal Director, North; and Mrs Ugochi Akudo Nwosu as Zonal Director, South-East.
The website claimed that the project was supervised by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, in the OSGF.
However, the claim has come under scrutiny following the ICPC’s finding that the organisation allegedly operated without the required presidential authorisation.
Full List of the 20 State Coordinators
The following individuals were listed on the organisation’s website as state coordinators:
- Katsina: Dr Babangida Kabir Ruma
- Kaduna: Hon. Abdulhaleem Ishaq Ringim
- Delta: Hon. Dr Godwin Adolor
- Kebbi: Hussaini Abdullahi, Esq., FSI
- Osun: Hon. Olugbemi Adetola Adelowokan
- Anambra: Hon. Chiamaka Nnake
- Nasarawa: Hon. Osolafia Muhammed, PhD
- Plateau: Mrs Salome Audu Bidda
- Benue: Hon. Orduen Andrew Ikon
- Ondo: Amb. Orioye G. Benedict
- Ogun: Hon. Engr. Kehinde Akintonide, FNSE
- Sokoto: Hon. Ibrahim Umar Aliyu
- Abia: Hon. Mrs Nwosu Chinyere R.
- Zamfara: Hon. Ibrahim Bello Marafa
- Niger: Haj. Zainab Mohammed
- Kano: Hon. Abubakar Ahmad Bichi (Khalifa)
- Taraba: Hon. Justin Aondoaseer Tyopuusu
- Oyo: Alhaji Bello Kolawole Ghaffar, FCA
- Bauchi: Hon. Farouq Siyi
- Kogi: Hon. Olorukooba Bidemi
Reports indicated that some of the individuals listed had previously occupied public positions or were connected with political, government or community structures in their respective states.
For instance, Justin Aondoaseer Tyopuusu, listed as the Taraba State coordinator, has reportedly been identified in recent reports as a Special Assistant to Governor Agbu Kefas on Digital Economy.
However, being listed on the organisation’s website does not necessarily establish that any of the named individuals were aware of the alleged lack of government authorisation.
Representatives in US, China
The website also listed Hon. Emmanuel Enemali Achema as “Country Rep./Coordinator, U.S.A.” and Hon. Ameh Enedugbojo Glory as “Country Rep./Coordinator, China.”
The international representatives were presented as part of the organisation’s purported nationwide and international structure.
The alleged agency claimed to be involved in trade exhibitions, economic forums, the promotion of Nigerian-made products and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
However, the ICPC has questioned the legitimacy of the organisation and its claimed relationship with the Federal Government.
The discovery forms part of a wider investigation by the anti-corruption agency into alleged fictitious government bodies.
The ICPC had previously raised concerns over other alleged fake agencies, including the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, FCT Investment Promotion Agency, and Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public-Private Partnership.
The latest investigation is expected to shed more light on how the alleged organisation was able to establish a nationwide structure and gain access to government premises without the required presidential approval.
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