NEWS
Fake Agency DG Adeniyi Reveals How ₦1.3bn Found Its Way Into 2026 Budget
The embattled Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, Prince Adeyemi Matthew Adeniyi, has claimed that he personally lobbied officials at the Budget Office, leading to the inclusion of the controversial agency in the 2026 Federal Government budget.
Adeniyi made the claims during an interview with social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, following his arrest over allegations of operating a fictitious government agency.
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The agency, which the Federal Government has repeatedly described as non-existent, was allocated about ₦1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act, sparking public outrage and calls for a thorough investigation into Nigeria’s budget process.
During the interview, Adeniyi absolved the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of any involvement, insisting he had never met him physically.
According to him, he first approached the Budget Office in December 2024 to seek the agency’s inclusion in the 2025 budget but was informed that the appropriation process had already closed.
“I went to that Budget Office for the 2025 budget. I submitted the letter and everything that I wanted, but I was told it was already late,” he said.
He explained that officials later advised him to pursue the proposal for the 2026 budget.
“When the 2025 budget came out and I didn’t see this budget, those people that I went to then said it would now be for the 2026 budget. We kept in touch because they said it would be considered later,” he said.
Adeniyi further alleged that a female official helped him gain access to the Director-General of the Budget Office, who later referred him to another senior official.
“She helped me to see the oga. Oga now said, ‘Where is my shini?’ I said I don’t have any shini. He later asked me to meet one director,” he claimed.
According to him, the director informed him that although the proposal could not be accommodated in the 2025 budget, efforts would continue ahead of the 2026 appropriation.
When asked whether he paid officials to facilitate the process, Adeniyi denied offering bribes.
“Honestly, I did not pay any money. I didn’t pay anybody. The only thing I promised was that if I started employing people, I could help them with employment opportunities.
“That was the favour I promised them. I did not give anybody money. It was just a promise that if they had people, I could employ them.”
Adeniyi said his arrest brought an end to every effort surrounding the budget proposal and that he was surprised when he later discovered the agency had been included in the 2026 budget.
“Immediately, there was a problem; everything stopped. Even the woman that wanted to help was calling because she couldn’t reach me because she was scared. I told her to let everything stop.
“I didn’t even know until they said it was inside the budget. I had already left the office. Where would I still pursue the budget again when I was already facing court?” he said.
Asked whether Budget Office officials could have inserted the agency into the budget after his arrest, he responded: “I don’t know because once that problem started, everything stopped. Why would I still pursue the budget when I was already in trouble?”
Adeniyi also addressed allegations that he paid ₦400 million to secure his purported appointment, claiming the money was delivered in United States dollars through his late associate, Dolapo Tanimola.
“Dollars,” he replied when asked the currency of the payment.
Asked who received the money, he answered:
“Dolapo.”
He maintained that he never met Gbajabiamila before or after his purported appointment.
“I never met Gbajabiamila physically before and after he was appointed. Dolapo Tanimola handled everything for me.”
Meanwhile, VeryDarkMan, in the caption accompanying the interview, called for a comprehensive investigation into the Budget Office and other government institutions, arguing that Adeniyi should not be the only person held accountable if his allegations are proven true.
However, the allegations made by Adeniyi have not been independently verified, and the officials and institutions mentioned have not publicly responded to the latest claims.
Adeniyi is facing charges including forgery and impersonation after allegedly operating the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council from an office within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja using forged government documents.
The Presidency has consistently maintained that the council has no legal existence and has described Adeniyi as an impostor, distancing the Federal Government from the alleged organisation despite its appearance in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a ₦1.3 billion allocation.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expresses deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr Dotun Oladipo, former Political Editor of The Punch newspaper and Publisher of The Eagle Online, describing his death as a painful loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the nation at large.
President Tinubu acknowledges the deceased’s contributions to journalism, particularly his years of dedicated service in political reporting and his commitment to providing Nigerians with credible information through both traditional and digital media platforms.
The President says Oladipo’s professional career reflected the important role journalists play in strengthening democracy by informing citizens, holding public officials accountable and providing platforms for robust public discourse.
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He recalls the deceased’s passion for his profession and his contributions to the growth of digital journalism through The Eagle Online, which he founded after his remarkable career at Punch Newspaper.
“Dotun Oladipo’s death at the age of 56 is a painful loss to the Nigerian media community and to our nation. He was a committed journalist who devoted significant years of his life to informing the public and contributing to the development of our democracy.
“His contributions to political journalism and the digital media space will not be forgotten. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues in GOCOP and friends. I pray that Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” President Tinubu notes.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has expressed profound sadness over the death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo.
Akpabio described Oladipo’s passing as a painful loss to the Nigerian media industry and the nation, noting his significant contributions to journalism, public discourse and the growth of online media in Nigeria.
The President of the Senate commiserated with the family, friends, colleagues and professional associates of the deceased, particularly members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), where Oladipo served as Emeritus President.
“Dotun Oladipo was a courageous, principled and dedicated journalist who devoted a significant part of his life to the pursuit of truth, responsible journalism and the advancement of society.
“His sudden passing is a profound loss to his family, the journalism profession and Nigeria as a whole. His immense contributions to the development of online journalism, as well as his commitment to professional excellence, integrity and public interest, will remain indelible.
“As the philosopher John Stuart Mill reminded us, ‘He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that.’ Dotun understood that a free and responsible press must listen, question and speak truth to power. His life demonstrated that journalism, when guided by courage and conscience, can illuminate society and strengthen democracy.
“His legacy will continue to inspire journalists and media professionals who believe in the power of responsible journalism to strengthen democracy and contribute to national development,” Akpabio said.
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The Senate President prayed that God Almighty would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Akpabio also urged members of the media to uphold and build upon Oladipo’s legacy of professionalism, integrity, courage and unwavering commitment to the public interest.
“May God acquaint his soul with the compass of His course” he added.
Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89, bringing an end to his more than three-decade reign and ushering in a new era for the Norwegian monarchy.
The Royal Palace announced on Friday, August 28, 2026, that the monarch died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35am local time.
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“It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28 at 6:35 am,” the palace said in a statement.
King Harald, who ascended the throne in 1991, had been hospitalised in Oslo since August 17 while receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia.
His condition became “extremely serious” on Thursday, prompting members of the royal family to gather at his bedside.
His 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, has automatically succeeded him as monarch under Norway’s constitutional succession rules. He is expected to take the name King Haakon VIII.
Following the announcement of Harald’s death, the flag at the Royal Palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast, while members of the public gathered outside the palace to lay flowers and mourn the late monarch.
Harald was widely regarded as a popular and unifying figure during his 35 years on the throne. He was also known for his modest lifestyle and efforts to modernise the monarchy.
Kaspara Bolstad, 24, described him as “a very steady and warm king.”
“I think the entire Norwegian people see him as a role model and as someone who brings people together. Whether you’re for or against the monarchy, I think he’s well-liked across the board,” she said.
Magnus Skaugseth, 27, also praised the late King’s inclusive approach.
“He was so inclusive and committed to having values that are inclusive in the society we live in today. When there is so much division and polarisation, he was a pillar pointing in the opposite direction,” Skaugseth said.
Harald had experienced several health challenges in recent years and had undergone procedures including the fitting of a pacemaker. Despite his declining health, he repeatedly ruled out abdication, maintaining that his oath to serve Norway was lifelong.
His death comes during a turbulent period for the Norwegian royal family, which has faced a series of health and personal controversies in recent months.
With Harald’s death, Crown Prince Haakon now takes over the Norwegian throne, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the country’s monarchy.
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