The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered another alleged fake government agency operating from the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The agency was identified as the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, allegedly promoted by Prince George Buchi Nwabueze.
The development has led President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate arrest of Nwabueze and suspension of three Permanent Secretaries.
ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday.
According to Aliyu, the discovery followed investigations into the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and procedural weaknesses within the public service.
He said the newly uncovered office had been illegally allocated space within the premises of the SGF’s office.
“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.”
Nwabueze Operated Under Multiple Names
The ICPC chairman said the promoter, George Buchi Nwabueze, was also found to operate under four other variations of his name.
They include George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze.
Aliyu said the commission had engaged the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to obtain vital information concerning the fake agency and its activities.
He added that he had personally briefed President Tinubu on the latest findings.
Tinubu Suspends Three Permanent Secretaries
Following the briefing, President Tinubu directed the immediate arrest of Prince George Buchi Nwabueze.
The President also ordered the immediate suspension of three Permanent Secretaries:
- M.S. Danjuma
- Engr. Nadungu Gagare
- Richard P. Pheelangwah
Aliyu said the investigation into the alleged fraudulent activities remains ongoing under the direction of the President.
“The investigation into these fraudulent activities remains active under the direction of the President.”
The ICPC said it would continue working with the SGF’s office to establish how the alleged fake agency gained access to government premises and determine the full extent of the irregularities.
