Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who is accused of impersonating the Director-General of the Project Fund and Public Infrastructure and Finance Commission (PFIPC), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish an independent panel to investigate the alleged ₦1.3 billion budget insertion linked to the commission.
In an open letter dated July 13, 2026, Adeyemi welcomed President Tinubu’s directive to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter. However, he argued that the probe should be broadened to include independent stakeholders to enhance transparency and strengthen public confidence in the process.
Adeyemi maintained that an investigation conducted solely by government agencies could raise concerns about impartiality, given that the allegations involve government institutions. He insisted that his request was not an attempt to evade accountability but rather to ensure a fair and credible investigation.
The embattled figure also claimed that surrendering to authorities under the current circumstances could put his life at risk, alleging that he had received credible threats. He further questioned the reported death of one of the alleged intermediaries in the case, Mr. Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, as well as the demolition of a hotel in Abuja where he alleged critical evidence may have been located.
As part of his proposal, Adeyemi urged the President to constitute an independent investigative panel comprising representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society organisations, diplomatic missions, international observers, and anti-corruption agencies such as the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with the latter serving as technical partners.
He said he would immediately submit documents and other evidence once such a panel is established, arguing that an independent investigation would reinforce public trust in the outcome.
Meanwhile, Adeyemi is scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday to face an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery, impersonation and related offences. The prosecution is expected to present several witnesses, including the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, whose petition reportedly prompted the police investigation.
The allegations made against Adeyemi, as well as the claims contained in his letter, remain subject to ongoing investigation and judicial determination.