The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-styled Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), after he failed to appear for his arraignment on charges of forgery, fraud and impersonation.
Justice Mohammed Umar granted the order following an oral application by police counsel Wisdom Madaki, who told the court that Adeyemi had repeatedly failed to attend proceedings.
Adeyemi was scheduled to take his plea on an eight-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025, but was absent despite being represented by his lawyer, Genesis Francis.
Addressing the court, the prosecution said the defendant had delayed the case through repeated absences.
“This is the fifth time this case is coming up, and all the adjournments have been at the instance of the defendant.”
Relying on Section 394 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the prosecution requested a warrant for Adeyemi’s arrest.
The defence opposed the application, arguing that Adeyemi stayed away because of alleged threats to his life.
His lawyer told the court that the defendant had appeared previously but had since become fearful because of the public attention surrounding the case.
“The defendant is afraid for his life. He has to be alive to be able to face trial.”
In his ruling, Justice Umar observed that although the case was filed in November 2025, Adeyemi had appeared in court only once and had failed to attend four consecutive hearings thereafter.
The judge ordered security agencies to arrest the defendant and produce him before the court on September 30 for arraignment.
Key witnesses listed
The prosecution intends to call several witnesses, including:
- Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila
- Officials from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation
- Police investigators
- Other individuals connected with the investigation
Adeyemi insists he is not in hiding
In a recent television interview, Adeyemi denied evading law enforcement, insisting he had withdrawn from public view because of security concerns.
“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.”
He also repeated his allegation that he paid ₦400 million, through an intermediary, to secure his appointment as PFIPC Director-General—a claim involving President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Gbajabiamila has denied the allegation.
Police allegations
According to police investigators, Adeyemi allegedly forged appointment letters, official seals, signatures and other government documents to present the PFIPC as a legitimate federal agency.
The investigation began after the Office of the Chief of Staff petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over forged appointment letters purportedly issued from the Presidency.
Police further allege that Adeyemi operated from an office inside the Federal Secretariat in Abuja while presenting himself as head of the purported council.
Adeyemi has denied that the PFIPC is fictitious and has called on President Tinubu to establish an independent panel—including representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations, anti-corruption agencies, international partners and the media—to investigate the controversy surrounding the council and its reported budget allocation.
