The Nigeria Police Force has arrested Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-proclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered his arrest for failing to appear in court over allegations of forgery, conspiracy and impersonation.
Adeyemi was apprehended in Osun State by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) from the Force Headquarters in Abuja and is expected to be moved to the Federal Capital Territory to face prosecution.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the suspect was picked up at his hideout in the state.
“Yes, it is confirmed. The Intelligence Response Team from Abuja arrested him here in Osun,” Ojelabi said.
A video circulating after the operation showed Adeyemi clad in a light blue traditional outfit while surrounded by security personnel.
During the encounter, officers repeatedly requested that he identify himself, but he initially declined to do so directly.
“I’ve mentioned it, sir,” he responded.
The officers pressed further.
“Mention it for us, please. What is your name? What is your name?” one of the operatives asked.
Adeyemi replied, “I’ve said it several times.”
His arrest followed a ruling by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who earlier on Tuesday issued a bench warrant after the defendant failed to appear for arraignment on an eight-count charge brought against him by the Nigeria Police Force.
The prosecution had urged the court to compel his arrest after he was absent from proceedings scheduled for the commencement of his trial.
Police accused Adeyemi of operating a purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has consistently maintained has no legal existence.
In dismissing the defence’s explanation that the defendant stayed away from court because he feared for his safety, Justice Umar granted the prosecution’s request for a warrant and fixed September 30, 2026, for his arraignment.
Ironically, the arrest came less than 24 hours after Adeyemi publicly denied claims that he had gone into hiding.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, he maintained that he remained available to face scrutiny but feared for his personal safety.
“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.”
Adeyemi also reiterated his claim that he paid ₦400 million through an intermediary to secure his appointment as Director-General of the disputed council, while demanding an independent investigation into the matter.
According to investigators, Adeyemi allegedly forged several official government documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter said to have been signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as other documents allegedly used to portray the council as a legitimate federal agency.
Police further alleged that he falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the organisation and operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja.
If found guilty of the forgery-related offences, Adeyemi faces a prison term of up to 21 years without the option of a fine, while the impersonation charge attracts a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment or the payment of a fine.
(Ripples)