President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate arrest of George Buchi Nwabueze following the discovery of an alleged unauthorized agency operating within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The development followed 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 from the SGF’s office without presidential authorization.
ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, disclosed the development after briefing President Tinubu for the second consecutive day on the commission’s findings.
According to the ICPC chairman, Nwabueze was identified as the alleged promoter of the unauthorized office. Investigators are also examining the possible involvement of individuals within the SGF’s office who may have facilitated or supported its activities.
The discovery reportedly emerged from an ongoing investigation into another alleged unauthorized body, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council. The wider probe has raised questions about administrative controls and verification procedures within government institutions.
In response to the findings, President Tinubu directed that Nwabueze be arrested while also ordering the suspension of three Permanent Secretaries M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah pending further investigation.
The President has additionally directed a forensic audit of government processes to determine how unauthorized entities could operate within a federal government office without the necessary approval.
The latest development underscores the Federal Government’s renewed focus on strengthening institutional controls and preventing individuals or groups from exploiting government offices to establish unauthorized structures or carry out activities without official approval.
The ICPC said its investigation remains ongoing, with further findings and possible actions expected as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged fake agency and the roles of those who may have been involved.
The case is likely to intensify scrutiny of administrative oversight within the Office of the SGF and other federal institutions, particularly concerning the verification and approval of government agencies, projects and special-purpose offices.
