Nigerian police have arrested Adeniyi Adeyemi, who is accused of falsely presenting himself as the Director-General of the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
The arrest marks the latest development in a high-profile case involving allegations of forgery, impersonation and the alleged creation of a fictitious government agency, raising concerns over institutional integrity in Africa’s largest economy.
According to Punch Newspaper report, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that Adeyemi was arrested on Tuesday in Osun State by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) from Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking to journalists, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the operation.
“Yes, it is confirmed. The Intelligence Response Team from Abuja arrested him here in Osun,” Ojelabi said.
Police said Adeyemi is expected to be transferred to Abuja to face prosecution.
The arrest followed a ruling by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who issued a bench warrant after Adeyemi failed to appear for arraignment on an eight-count criminal charge brought by the Nigeria Police Force.
The prosecution alleged that Adeyemi failed to honour the court summons despite being notified of the proceedings.
The court rejected the defence’s argument that Adeyemi stayed away because he feared for his personal safety, ruling that he should be compelled to appear before the court.
The matter has been adjourned until September 30, 2026, for arraignment.
According to court filings, the police accused Adeyemi of forging several official government documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter allegedly signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Investigators further alleged that he falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has publicly stated does not exist.
The police also alleged that Adeyemi operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja while representing the council as a legitimate federal government institution.
The charges include conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.
The arrest came less than 24 hours after Adeyemi denied reports that he was evading law enforcement authorities during an interview on Channels Television.
He said he was not in hiding but feared for his safety because of what he described as threats to his life.
Adeyemi also repeated an earlier allegation that he paid ₦400 million through an intermediary to secure the disputed appointment and called for an independent investigation into the matter.
The allegation has not been substantiated in court, and authorities have not publicly commented on the claim beyond pursuing the criminal case.
If convicted, Adeyemi could face substantial prison terms. Under the charges filed by the police, the alleged forgery offences carry penalties of up to 21 years’ imprisonment, while the impersonation charge is punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine, depending on the court’s judgment.
The case has attracted significant public attention because it touches on the credibility of public institutions and the integrity of Nigeria’s investment promotion framework. For international investors and business stakeholders, authorities’ response underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address alleged document forgery, impersonation and the misuse of government identities.
The prosecution is also likely to be closely watched as Nigeria continues efforts to strengthen governance, improve regulatory transparency and enhance investor confidence in its business environment.