Tinubu Orders Arrest of Nwabueze, Suspends Three Perm Secs Over Alleged Fake Agency

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate arrest of Prince George Buchi Nwabueze following the discovery of an alleged fake government agency operating from the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The President also ordered the immediate suspension of three Permanent Secretaries in connection with the development.

The development followed an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission into an alleged fake government body reportedly operating under the name, National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office.

Chairman of the ICPC, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, disclosed this on Friday while briefing State House correspondents after meeting with the President.

Aliyu said the discovery was made during an investigation into another alleged fake government body known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, reportedly operated by one Adeyemi Matthew.

According to him, investigators discovered that office space had been illegally allocated to the purported National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office within the premises of the OSGF.

He, however, did not immediately disclose the circumstances surrounding the allocation of the office or those allegedly responsible for establishing and operating the purported agency.

Following the discovery, President Tinubu directed the immediate arrest of Nwabueze and ordered relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged illegal operation.

The President also approved the suspension of three Permanent Secretaries identified as M.S. Danjuma, Engineer Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah over the incident.

The latest development comes as the ICPC intensifies its investigation into alleged unauthorised use of government offices and structures by individuals or groups claiming to operate on behalf of the Federal Government.

The commission is expected to provide further details as investigations continue, particularly on how the purported agency gained access to government premises and the roles allegedly played by government officials connected to its operations.