Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), has claimed that his life is under threat as he faces criminal charges over the activities of the organisation.
According to a report by The Nation published on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Matthew, who is expected to be arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja, said he may not appear in court because of concerns for his safety.
The Nigeria Police have filed charges against him, including forgery, criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and other related offences linked to the establishment and operation of the PFIPC.
Speaking via Zoom during an interview on Channels Television on Monday night, Matthew denied evading authorities, insisting he was staying away because he feared for his life.
“I want to reiterate that my life is in danger. Unknown gunmen came to my house three times within two days. They want to silence me by fire, by force,” he said.
Matthew called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish an independent panel, with representatives from international organisations, civil society groups, the United Nations, and other independent bodies, to investigate both the alleged financial misconduct and the threats against him. He argued that such an inquiry should complement the investigation already ordered through the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Investigators have alleged that the PFIPC unlawfully obtained office space at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and was included in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a budget allocation of ₦1.3 billion. Authorities, however, maintain that no public funds were released before the alleged fraud was uncovered.
Matthew also reiterated claims that the late Dolapo Tanimola acted as an intermediary between him and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. He alleged that he paid ₦400 million through Tanimola for the appointment, with an additional ₦200 million remaining unpaid, although he admitted he never met Gbajabiamila personally.
He said he initially questioned the authenticity of the appointment but became convinced after receiving what he described as official correspondence from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). He further claimed he was directed to pay ₦300 million into a Central Bank of Nigeria recovery account to secure office accommodation for the agency.
According to Matthew, he borrowed the ₦400 million used in the appointment process, and the lenders have since petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to recover their money.
The allegations made by Matthew have not been independently verified, and the individuals and offices mentioned had not publicly responded to the claims at the time of reporting.
