By Zainab Bakare
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested the self-styled Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi, hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
Adeyemi was apprehended on Tuesday in Osun State by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) following his failure to appear before the Federal High Court for arraignment on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.
Confirming the arrest, spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the suspect was arrested at his hideout in the state and would be transferred to Abuja.
“Yes, it is confirmed. The Intelligence Response Team from Abuja arrested him here in Osun,” Ojelabi said.
The arrest followed a ruling by Justice Mohammed Umar, who granted the prosecution’s application for a bench warrant after Adeyemi failed to appear in court to take his plea.
The Nigeria Police accused Adeyemi of operating the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has repeatedly disowned, insisting it does not exist.
Justice Umar dismissed the explanation by Adeyemi’s counsel that his client stayed away from court because he feared for his life, ruling that the defendant must appear before the court to answer the charges.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to September 30, 2026, for arraignment.
A video of the arrest circulating online showed Adeyemi, dressed in a light blue traditional outfit, surrounded by security operatives. During questioning, he repeatedly declined to state his name despite repeated requests by the officers.
Ironically, the arrest came barely 24 hours after Adeyemi publicly denied reports that he was evading security agencies.
In a televised interview on Monday, he maintained that he was not in hiding but feared for his safety, alleging that there had been several attempts on his life.
He also reiterated his claim that he paid ₦400 million through an intermediary to secure his appointment as Director-General of the disputed council and called for an independent investigation into the allegation.
According to the police, Adeyemi forged several official documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter allegedly signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as other government documents used to portray the council as a legitimate federal agency.
Investigators further alleged that he falsely presented himself as the council’s Director-General and operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja.
If convicted, Adeyemi faces up to 21 years’ imprisonment on the forgery-related charges, while the impersonation charge carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment or a fine.
