The Federal Government has arraigned Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-styled Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, PFIPC, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged forgery and impersonation.
Adeyemi is facing an eight-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force in connection with documents allegedly used to present the purported council as a legitimate government institution.
The charges include allegations that he forged an appointment letter purportedly issued by President Bola Tinubu and signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
He was arraigned before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar following several adjournments in the case, which was initially filed in November 2025.
Two other defendants, identified in the charge sheet as “Femi, surname unknown” and “Anu, surname unknown”, are also listed in the case and were previously reported to be at large.
The prosecution alleges that Adeyemi forged presidential letter-headed papers dated March 8, 2024, as well as other official correspondence purportedly originating from the State House.
Among the documents allegedly forged are a request for collaboration with a federal ministry, a request for office space and correspondence relating to the establishment and operations of the purported council. The police also accuse Adeyemi of falsely presenting himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC.
The case stems from controversy over the existence and activities of the PFIPC, which the Presidency has said was never established as a federal government agency.
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The controversy intensified in 2025 after concerns were raised about the organization’s activities and its dealings with government institutions and foreign representatives.
The Chief of Staff, Gbajabiamila, subsequently alerted security agencies to alleged forged documents bearing his name and purported signature.
Adeyemi was arrested by police operatives in Osun State in July after Justice Umar issued a bench warrant following his failure to appear for a scheduled arraignment.
His lawyer had told the court that Adeyemi feared for his safety and had written to President Tinubu seeking protection. The judge subsequently ordered security agencies to arrest and produce him before the court.
Adeyemi denied the allegations against him and maintained that the council exists. He has also made allegations against Gbajabiamila in relation to his purported appointment, claims the Presidency has rejected. The Chief of Staff has separately denied any involvement in the alleged scheme.
Meanwhile, investigations into the disputed council have continued beyond the criminal proceedings. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission said in August that its investigation found no evidence linking Gbajabiamila to Adeyemi’s purported appointment and concluded that the appointment letter was forged.
The House of Representatives also investigated the matter, with its ad hoc committee saying in July that the appointment letter presented by Adeyemi was not authentic.
The committee’s inquiry examined how the purported organization operated within government structures and how documents associated with it were used.
Adeyemi’s arraignment now brings the allegations before the court for determination, with the prosecution expected to present evidence in support of the eight-count charge. He remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by the court.
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