Police arrest alleged fake agency boss after court issues bench warrant
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), following a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja over his failure to appear for arraignment.
Adeyemi was apprehended in Osun State by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) after he failed to appear before the court to answer charges bordering on alleged forgery, conspiracy and impersonation.
Justice Mohammed Umar had ordered his arrest after granting an application by the prosecution, which informed the court that the defendant was absent when the matter came up for hearing. The judge subsequently adjourned the case until September 30, 2026.
Confirming the arrest, the police said Adeyemi was taken into custody in Osun State before being transferred to Abuja to face the pending charges.
Investigators allege that Adeyemi and two other suspects, who remain at large, forged several official government documents and falsely operated under the name of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organization the Presidency has maintained does not exist.
The charges include the alleged forgery of official documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter and other correspondence purportedly linked to the State House, as well as impersonating a government official.
Before his arrest, Adeyemi had publicly claimed his life was in danger and appealed to President Bola Tinubu to guarantee his safety before he surrendered to security agencies. He argued that an independent investigation was necessary, insisting the controversy extended beyond his personal involvement.
His lawyer had earlier informed the court that his client stayed away from the proceedings because of security concerns. However, the court ruled that those claims did not justify his absence and authorized law enforcement agencies to arrest him.
Security sources disclosed that Adeyemi had allegedly switched off his mobile phones for several days while attempting to evade arrest before investigators eventually tracked him to his hideout in Osun State.
The criminal case stems from an investigation launched in 2025 into the activities of the alleged council. Prosecutors accused Adeyemi and his associates of using forged government documents to create the impression that the organization had official presidential backing.
Legal practitioners have described the court's decision to issue a bench warrant as a standard judicial procedure when a defendant fails to honour a court summons without lawful justification.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) said the President's directive for a fresh investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) could broaden the scope of the inquiry if new evidence emerges.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), noted that investigators are empowered to invite any individual whose name arises during the course of the investigation, while stressing that guilt or innocence can only be determined through due process.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Sam Erugo, also maintained that anyone linked to allegations uncovered during the investigation should be questioned if the evidence warrants it, but emphasized that the matter must be handled strictly in accordance with the law.
If convicted on the charges before the Federal High Court, Adeyemi could face significant prison terms under Nigeria's laws relating to forgery and impersonation. The case is expected to resume on September 30 for his arraignment.
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