Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed says plates were approved after FRSC verified documents, website and listed office address.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed issuing seven official Federal Government number plates to vehicles linked to the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this on Thursday while appearing before the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the alleged establishment and operations of the disputed council.
His appearance followed testimony by businessman Gbenga Collins, who told the committee that he was received at the Abuja airport by vehicles bearing official Federal Government number plates linked to the PFIPC.
Responding to lawmakers, Mohammed confirmed that seven official number plates were issued to the council, insisting that the FRSC followed its standard procedures before approving the request.
He said the application was accompanied by a letter from the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and another document signed by the alleged PFIPC Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi.
According to the Corps Marshal, the FRSC subsequently verified the council’s website and confirmed the office address listed at the Federal Secretariat before approving and issuing the number plates.
The committee had summoned the FRSC following Collins’ testimony that he paid ₦400 million to Adeyemi to facilitate the award of a contract.
Collins alleged that after arriving in Abuja, officials of the council received him in vehicles bearing Federal Government number plates before Adeyemi presented him with a contract award letter, scope of work and an agreement for the renovation and furnishing of the Director-General’s official residence.
He told the lawmakers that Adeyemi demanded the ₦400 million as proof of his company’s financial capacity to execute the project and facilitate mobilisation.
Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Yusuf Gagdi, said Adeyemi was absent from the hearing because he is currently in police custody and is also being investigated by anti-corruption agencies.
The House panel is investigating the circumstances surrounding the creation and operations of the PFIPC amid allegations that the council operated without lawful authority despite being allocated about ₦1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
Separately, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has submitted an interim report to President Bola Tinubu recommending Adeyemi’s prosecution.
The ICPC said its preliminary investigation found that documents allegedly used to establish the PFIPC, including its purported appointment letter and gazette, were forged.