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In Giving Adeyemi an Award, You'll Be Encouraging Younger Nigerians to Become Super Scammers- Edward Onoja

Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward David Onoja, has opposed suggestions that Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew, the man accused of operating the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), should be honoured for his ingenuity, arguing that such recognition would send the wrong message to young Nigerians.

Speaking in an interview with SYMFONI on Friday, July 24, 2026, Onoja acknowledged the level of planning behind the alleged scheme but maintained that presenting an award to the suspect would amount to celebrating criminal conduct rather than integrity.

He warned that honouring individuals accused of fraud, regardless of their ingenuity, could encourage more young people to pursue similar unlawful paths instead of legitimate achievements.

Onoja said, "The ingenuity should be applauded, but in giving him an award I will beg to differ. In giving him an award, you will be encouraging younger Nigerians to become super scammers."

His remarks come amid nationwide discussions over the alleged activities of Adeyemi, who is facing trial over accusations of forgery, impersonation and conspiracy linked to the controversial PFIPC, an agency the Presidency has repeatedly said was never created by the Federal Government.

The controversy intensified after President Bola Tinubu directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to conclude a comprehensive investigation into the matter within 30 days.

The probe covers the alleged use of forged appointment letters, fake official documents, multiple bank accounts reportedly opened in the names of government agencies, and the circumstances that enabled the fictitious organisation to appear legitimate.

The scandal also generated political debate after reports that the non-existent council appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a budgetary allocation of N1.3 billion.

While the Senate acknowledged the allocation, lawmakers rejected claims that the National Assembly created the agency, insisting the matter falls within the executive and remains before the court.

Adeyemi has denied wrongdoing through his legal team and is expected to continue defending the charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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