HURIWA Faults ICPC’s PFIPC Report, Demands Probe Beyond Alleged Mastermind

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised the interim report submitted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), arguing that the investigation leaves critical questions unanswered and risks reducing a major national scandal to the alleged actions of a single individual.

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights advocacy group expressed disappointment with the findings of the anti-corruption agency, saying the report appears to focus primarily on the alleged role of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi while overlooking what it described as broader institutional failures that allowed the controversial body to operate.

HURIWA maintained that while anyone found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law, the issues surrounding the PFIPC extend beyond one suspect. According to the organisation, the case raises fundamental questions about accountability within government institutions and the processes that enabled a body later declared non-existent to gain official recognition.

The group questioned how the PFIPC allegedly secured access to government institutions, participated in official engagements and was reportedly included in the 2026 Appropriation Act despite later being disowned by the Presidency. It argued that Nigerians deserve explanations on who approved meetings with the organisation, processed its documents, failed to verify its status and overlooked warning signs.

HURIWA said it found it difficult to accept the suggestion that one individual acting alone could have successfully navigated several Ministries, Departments and Agencies, established official relationships and allegedly opened bank accounts using forged documents without significant institutional lapses or possible collaboration from public officials.

The association also pointed to the ICPC’s acknowledgment of weaknesses in inter-agency coordination, verification procedures and internal controls, insisting that such failures were the result of decisions or omissions by public officers rather than isolated circumstances.

It expressed concern over reports that the commission recommended administrative sanctions for some officials whose alleged negligence may have facilitated the activities of the fake agency. According to HURIWA, where investigations uncover evidence of criminal conduct, those responsible should face prosecution rather than administrative penalties alone.

The organisation called on the ICPC to pursue every credible lead regardless of the status or political influence of those involved, stressing that no public official or institution should be shielded from scrutiny if evidence points to wrongdoing.

HURIWA also urged the National Assembly to intensify its own investigation into the PFIPC affair and establish the sequence of events that allowed the organisation to function as though it were an official government agency.

According to the group, the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign will depend not only on prosecuting the alleged mastermind but also on determining whether public officials, institutions or systemic failures contributed to the scandal.

The association further appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the investigation is pursued to its logical conclusion and that every person against whom credible evidence emerges is held accountable, irrespective of office, political affiliation or influence.

HURIWA concluded that until Nigerians receive a comprehensive explanation of how the PFIPC allegedly operated within government circles for an extended period, the controversy will remain a significant test of transparency, accountability and institutional integrity under the current administration.