Court Orders Arrest of Alleged Fake PFIPC DG Adeniyi
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant for the arrest of the self-acclaimed Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi, after he failed to appear before the court for his scheduled arraignment.
Adeyemi was expected to take his plea before Justice Mohammed Umar on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation. However, his absence prompted the court to order his arrest in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025.
The prosecution, led by police counsel Wisdom Madaki, filed the charges on November 27, 2025, alongside two other defendants.
Several high-profile witnesses are expected to testify during the trial, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, officials from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, senior police officers, and other key individuals connected to the investigation.
The court’s decision comes a day after Adeyemi denied reports that he was evading security agencies. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, he maintained that he was not in hiding but had stayed away from the public because of concerns over his safety.
“I’m ready to show my face. I’m not hiding. I’m only fearing for my life because I have it on good authority that my life is in danger,” Adeyemi said.
He also alleged that he paid ₦400 million through an intermediary to secure his appointment as Director-General of the controversial council, adding that those who provided the funds had petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Police investigations into the alleged PFIPC scandal reportedly began after the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over forged appointment letters purportedly issued from the Presidency.
Investigators alleged that forged documents bearing fake signatures, reference numbers, official seals and the Nigerian Coat of Arms were used to create the impression that the PFIPC was a legitimate Federal Government agency.
According to the police, Adeyemi allegedly operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja while presenting himself as the Director-General of the council.
The investigation also reportedly linked the alleged scheme to the late Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, who died in a hotel fire in Abuja.
Despite the allegations, Adeyemi has continued to insist that the PFIPC is a legitimate organisation.
In an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, he called for an independent panel comprising civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association, anti-corruption agencies, international partners, human rights groups and the media to investigate the controversy.
He also expressed readiness to provide documentary evidence and cooperate fully with any independent investigation while maintaining that concerns over his personal safety influenced his decision to remain out of public view.
