The Nigeria Police Force has arrested Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-proclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
Adeyemi was apprehended on Tuesday at his hideout in Osun State by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) from Abuja, according to the Osun State Police Command.
The spokesperson for the command, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect is expected to be transferred to Abuja for further legal proceedings.
“Yes, it is confirmed. The Intelligence Response Team from Abuja arrested him here in Osun,” Ojelabi told reporters.
A video circulating online showed Adeyemi dressed in a light-blue traditional outfit, surrounded by security operatives during the arrest.
In the footage, he appeared composed but visibly concerned as officers questioned him.
When asked to identify himself, Adeyemi initially declined to state his name directly, insisting he had already done so.
The officers repeatedly requested that he identify himself before taking him into custody.
The arrest followed a ruling by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who ordered Adeyemi’s arrest after he failed to appear in court for arraignment on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.
The bench warrant was issued after the prosecution, led by the Nigeria Police Force, made an oral application, informing the court that the defendant had failed to honour the court’s summons.
Justice Umar rejected the argument by Adeyemi’s counsel that his client stayed away from court out of fear for his safety.
The judge held that the defendant must be compelled to appear before the court to answer the charges and adjourned the case until September 30, 2026, for arraignment.
According to the police, Adeyemi allegedly operated the so-called Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has consistently maintained is not a recognised government agency.
Investigators further accused him of forging several official government documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter allegedly signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
He is also accused of producing other forged documents to portray the council as a legitimate federal institution.
The police alleged that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the council and operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja.
His arrest came barely 24 hours after he denied claims that he was evading security agencies.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Adeyemi insisted he was not in hiding but stayed away from public view because of alleged threats to his life.
“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. There have been several attempts on my life,” he said.
He also reiterated his claim that he paid ₦400 million through an intermediary to secure his appointment as Director-General of the disputed council and called for an independent investigation into the matter.
If convicted, Adeyemi could face severe penalties.
The forgery-related offences carry a maximum sentence of 21 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine, while the impersonation charge attracts up to three years’ imprisonment or the option of a fine.
