ABUJA — Nigerian President Bola Tinubu ordered an investigation into a man accused of creating and operating a fake government agency, marking the second allegedly bogus agency uncovered in the country in recent weeks.
Musa Adamu Aliyu, head of Nigeria’s anti-corruption watchdog, announced the investigation Friday after briefing Tinubu in the capital, Abuja.
Authorities said the latest alleged fake agency, called the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, was operating illegally from a government office and was headed by George Buchi Nwabueze.
Three senior government officials have been suspended in connection with the case, while authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Nwabueze.
The investigation follows the discovery last month of another purported government body, the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, which authorities said had operated for years.
The director of that organization allegedly met government officials and gained access to public funds before being arrested by police.
Aliyu said the investigation into the first organization led authorities to uncover the second alleged fake agency.
Analysts believe those behind the schemes may have worked with senior government officials to channel money from the national budget through the purported agencies.
Authorities have not disclosed whether Nwabueze or others involved in the latest case obtained public funds before the operation was uncovered.
Source: Saudi Gazette