Tinubu Orders Arrest of Nwabueze, Suspends Three Permanent Secretaries Over Alleged Fake Agency in SGF Office
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate arrest of Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and suspended three Permanent Secretaries following the discovery of an allegedly unauthorised government agency operating from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The development follows an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which uncovered the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office operating within the SGF’s office without presidential authorisation.
ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, identified Nwabueze as the alleged promoter of the office, while indicating that individuals within the SGF’s office may have collaborated in establishing or facilitating its activities.
According to the commission, the discovery emerged during investigations into an earlier alleged fake government structure known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, as well as broader concerns over weaknesses in government verification and administrative control systems.
Following the findings, President Tinubu directed security authorities to immediately arrest Nwabueze and ordered further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the operation of the purported agency.
The President also suspended three Permanent Secretaries — M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah — pending further investigation into their roles and the administrative processes that allowed the alleged unauthorised structure to operate from within the government.
Tinubu has additionally ordered a forensic audit of government processes and administrative controls, in a move aimed at identifying potential loopholes that could allow individuals or organisations to present themselves as authorised government entities without the necessary approvals.
The ICPC said its investigation remains ongoing and that further action could follow as investigators establish the extent of the alleged activities and identify other persons who may have been involved.
The development highlights growing scrutiny of the Nigerian government’s institutional controls, particularly the processes used to create, recognise and operate government agencies, councils and special-purpose offices.
For investors and businesses dealing with government institutions, the investigation could also raise questions about the verification of government-linked entities and the need for stronger safeguards against fraudulent organisations operating under the appearance of official government authority.
The ICPC said it would provide further information as the investigation progresses.