Police Arrest Alleged ‘Fake’ PFIPC DG Adeniyi Adeyemi

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-styled Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), following a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of forgery, fraud and impersonation. The arrest marks a major development in the high-profile PFIPC scandal that has sparked widespread public and political attention in Nigeria.

Adeyemi was taken into police custody shortly after Justice Mohammed Umar ordered his arrest on Tuesday. The court granted the prosecution’s application after Adeyemi failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment on an eight-count charge despite the matter having been adjourned several times at his request. Prosecutors told the court that this was the fifth occasion on which the defendant had failed to appear.

According to court documents, Adeyemi is facing charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, forgery, fraud and impersonation. The prosecution alleges that he and two other defendants forged official government documents, including appointment letters and presidential letterheads, to create legitimacy for the purported PFIPC, which authorities say is a non-existent government agency.

The case stems from an investigation that began after the Presidency publicly disowned the PFIPC and declared that it had never been lawfully established. Officials alleged that forged documents bearing the names and signatures of senior government officials were used to present the organisation as an official federal agency. Investigators also claim the group held meetings with foreign diplomats and secured government-related privileges under false pretences.

During Tuesday’s court proceedings, Adeyemi’s lawyer argued that his client stayed away from court because he feared for his safety and needed to remain alive to face trial. The prosecution rejected the explanation, insisting that the defendant had repeatedly failed to honour court summons despite several adjournments. Justice Umar subsequently issued a bench warrant, leading to Adeyemi’s arrest later in the day.

A video released by TVC News showed Adeyemi in police custody shortly after his arrest, confirming that law enforcement authorities had executed the court’s order. The Nigeria Police Force is expected to present him before the Federal High Court to answer the charges against him.

The PFIPC controversy has become one of Nigeria’s most closely watched governance scandals after reports emerged that the alleged fictitious agency had been allocated funds in the federal budget and had reportedly interacted with government institutions despite lacking legal recognition. The Presidency has maintained that the council is fraudulent and has pledged to support a thorough investigation into the matter.

Legal analysts say the arrest represents a significant step in the ongoing prosecution and could provide investigators with an opportunity to establish how the alleged scheme operated and whether additional individuals were involved. The case is expected to return to court in the coming days as prosecutors seek to proceed with Adeyemi’s arraignment.