Fresh documents have raised new questions over the Federal Government’s position on the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), following revelations that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation processed official correspondence linked to the agency months before it was publicly declared fictitious.   According to an exclusive report by Punch Newspapers, official records show that the SGF’s office received and acted on a request for office accommodation submitted in the name of the PFIPC in November 2024. The request was reportedly submitted by the council’s self-styled Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, who is currently facing criminal charges over allegations of forgery, impersonation and operating a non-existent government agency. Documents obtained by Saturday PUNCH showed that the request, dated November 7, 2024, was received by the SGF’s office on November 12 and later forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on November 21 for action. The correspondence, signed by Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, identified the PFIPC as one of three institutions seeking office accommodation from recovered Federal Government properties. In his request, Adeyemi described the PFIPC as a Federal Government investment promotion body tasked with attracting foreign direct investment, coordinating investment-related activities across ministries and positioning Nigeria as a preferred destination for investors. The latest development adds to ongoing controversy surrounding Adeyemi, who is accused of forging appointment documents allegedly bearing the signature of the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila. The Federal Government has listed Gbajabiamila and 10 others as witnesses in the criminal case before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Prosecutors allege Adeyemi and two other suspects, currently at large, created and operated the PFIPC using forged presidential documents and official insignia to gain legitimacy. Investigators also alleged that Adeyemi operated 34 bank accounts, including accounts opened in the names of supposed government agencies, and held meetings with diplomats under the PFIPC banner. The Presidency has maintained that the PFIPC never legally existed. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga recently described the agency as fictitious and defended the government’s position. However, the newly surfaced documents have intensified public scrutiny, with opposition parties, civil society groups and legal experts demanding an independent investigation into how the agency allegedly secured official recognition, staff approvals and budgetary allocations. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called for an independent probe into allegations surrounding both Adeyemi and officials linked to the matter, including claims involving accounts allegedly opened with the Central Bank of Nigeria. The Presidency has also vowed to investigate internal collaborators who may have enabled Adeyemi’s activities across government institutions. Presidential aide Temitope Ajayi said security agencies, including the EFCC, DSS and police, had been tasked with uncovering the full extent of the alleged network. The controversy continues to generate questions about oversight failures within government institutions and how the alleged scheme operated for months before being exposed.

The United States of America marked its 250th Independence Day anniversary on Saturday amid nationwide celebrations, political tensions and growing concerns over deep national divisions.   Speaking during Independence Day events at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Donald Trump warned that American identity is facing a renewed threat, declaring that the country is under attack from domestic radicals and extremists. According to Channels Television, citing AFP, Trump said there had been attempts in recent years to weaken American values and disconnect citizens from the nation’s history. The US president accused political opponents on the far-left of posing a threat to the country ahead of November’s midterm elections, describing a resurgence of what he called a “communist menace” in America. “You do not have to be born here, but you do have to love what we have built,” Trump said during his address. The Independence Day celebrations come at a difficult moment for the country, with millions of Americans facing extreme heat conditions. Reports indicate that nearly 160 million people are under severe heat warnings, disrupting parades and public gatherings across several cities. Despite the extreme weather, Trump is expected to headline a major rally on the National Mall in Washington, featuring military flyovers and large-scale fireworks. The milestone anniversary has also sparked reflection among many Americans on the state of the nation after 250 years of history shaped by progress, conflict, civil rights struggles and global influence. A recent poll by Quinnipiac University found that 61 percent of Americans believe the country is not fully living up to the ideals outlined in the Declaration of Independence, highlighting the sharp political divide between Republicans and Democrats. While some citizens expressed frustration over social and political divisions, others remained optimistic about the American dream and the freedoms the country offers. The 250th anniversary celebrations therefore serve as both a historic milestone and a moment of national reflection as the United States navigates an increasingly polarised political landscape.

Fresh coordinated attacks have struck Mali, with jihadists and Tuareg separatist fighters launching assaults on several towns and a prison facility in a major escalation of violence across the country.   According to Channels Television, citing AFP, the attacks began around 5:00 am on Saturday and targeted Gao, Anefis, Aguelhok, Sevare, and the prison complex in Kenieroba. The latest wave of violence comes just over two months after similar attacks by the same armed groups against Mali’s ruling military junta. Those earlier offensives dealt a major blow to the government and reportedly led to the death of the country’s defence minister. Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front, said several positions had fallen in Anefis, although fighting was still ongoing within the town. A resident in Anefis told AFP that armed groups had entered the town, but Malian troops were continuing to resist. The military camp there had not yet fallen at the time of reporting. Anefis and Aguelhok remain among the last areas where Mali’s army still maintains a presence in the Kidal region following heavy attacks in late April. The strategic city of Kidal had already fallen to Azawad Liberation Front fighters during those earlier offensives, dealing a significant setback to the ruling junta. In Gao, residents reported hearing gunfire and loud explosions near an army camp, raising fears of further clashes in the northern city. In central Mali, explosions were also reported in Sevare. Security sources said several aircraft were seen flying over the area shortly after the blasts. Meanwhile, the prison complex in Kenieroba, located near the capital Bamako, also came under attack. The facility houses jihadist suspects and other detainees. One prisoner told AFP that heavy gunfire continued around the prison as inmates took cover. The fresh attacks underline the worsening security crisis in Mali, where government forces continue to battle jihadist groups and separatist fighters across several regions.

Argentina national football team survived a major scare from Cape Verde national football team to secure a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory and book a place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.   In a gripping round of 32 clash in Miami, Lionel Messi once again delivered on the big stage, scoring his 20th World Cup goal to give Argentina the lead in the 29th minute. His sublime finish, also his seventh goal of the tournament, looked set to send the reigning champions into the next round comfortably. However, Cape Verde refused to back down. The tournament debutants, who have won admirers with their fearless performances, drew level in the second half through Deroy Duarte, stunning Argentina and pushing the match into extra time. Argentina regained control early in extra time when Lisandro Martinez fired home after a corner. But Cape Verde responded again, with Sidny Lopes Cabral producing one of the goals of the tournament as he smashed a stunning strike into the top corner to make it 2-2. With penalties looming, Argentina finally found the breakthrough from a set-piece. Cristian Romero rose highest to meet Messi’s corner, with the ball deflecting off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges for an unfortunate own goal that sealed Argentina’s passage. The victory sends Argentina into a last-16 showdown with Egypt national football team in Atlanta on Tuesday. Speaking after the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his side were pushed to the limit. “It would have been madness to lose. It was a very tough match. We have to congratulate our opponents because they proved there are no easy teams at this level,” he said. Cape Verde, making their first-ever World Cup appearance, bow out with heads held high after an inspiring campaign. The Blue Sharks had already impressed in the group stage by holding Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws, and they nearly produced one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. Messi, playing in Miami where he also stars for Inter Miami, was central to Argentina’s attack throughout. The 39-year-old extended his remarkable record of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches. According to Channels Television, via AFP, Argentina ultimately survived a fierce late Cape Verde assault, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez making a crucial save in the closing moments to preserve the win.