The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has admitted issuing seven official Federal Government number plates to vehicles linked to the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), saying it followed due process before approving the request.

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 on Wednesday that he was received at the airport in Abuja by vehicles bearing official Federal Government number plates belonging to the PFIPC.

Responding to lawmakers, the Corps Marshal confirmed that seven official number plates were issued to the council.

He explained that the FRSC complied with its standard operating procedures before approving the application.

According to him, the corps received a request accompanied by a letter from the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and another signed by the PFIPC’s alleged Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi.

He said the FRSC subsequently verified the council’s official website and confirmed its listed office address 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 travelling to Abuja, he was received by officials of the council in vehicles carrying Federal Government number plates before Adeyemi presented him with a contract award letter, the scope of work and an agreement for the renovation and furnishing of the Director-General’s official residence.

He told lawmakers that Adeyemi requested the ₦400 million as proof of his company’s capacity to execute the project and to facilitate mobilisation.

Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Yusuf Gagdi, had earlier disclosed that Adeyemi was absent from the hearings because he is in police custody and is also being investigated by anti-graft agencies.

The House panel is investigating the circumstances surrounding the creation and operations of the PFIPC, amid allegations that it operated without lawful authority and was 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 after preliminary findings allegedly showed that documents used to establish the council, including its purported appointment letter and gazette, were forged. (Channels)

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