The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered another alleged fake agency operating from the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The commission identified the organisation as the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, allegedly promoted by Prince George Buchi Nwabueze.
Following the discovery, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate arrest of Nwabueze and the suspension of three Permanent Secretaries linked to the development.
The Chairman of the ICPC, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, disclosed this on Friday while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to Aliyu: “In relation to the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and procedural weaknesses in the public service, 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, which had been illegally allocated office space within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“The Promoter Geroge Buchi Nwabueze was discovered to also operate under four other variations of his name: George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze, Prince Geroge Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze.
“The ICPC has interacted with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation with a view to ascertaining vital information with regard to the fake agency/office under investigation.
“I have briefed Mr. President comprehensively on these new developments/findings”
Aliyu said President Tinubu subsequently directed the immediate arrest of Nwabueze and the suspension of three Permanent Secretaries.
He said: “Accordingly, Mr. President has directed as follows: The immediate arrest of Prince George Buchi Nwabueze.. The immediate suspension of the following Permanent Secretaries: M.S Danjuma, Engr Nadungu Gagare, Richard P. Pheelangwah.”
The ICPC chairman further said the commission was working with the SGF’s office to obtain information relevant to the investigation.
Aliyu said: “The ICPC has engaged with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to gather vital information regarding these authorized offices. The investigation into these fraudulent activities remains active under the direction of the President”
The latest development comes amid the ICPC’s investigation into alleged irregularities involving the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and other weaknesses within the public service.
The commission said its investigation into the newly uncovered office remains ongoing under the direction of the President.
