Forgery: Alleged ‘Fake’ PFIPC DG Adeyemi Docked, Remanded In Prison

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who has presented himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, PFIPC, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation.

Adeyemi was brought before Justice Mohammed Umar on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge filed against him.

The prosecution alleges that Adeyemi and two other individuals, who are currently at large, forged presidential appointment letters, State House documents and other official correspondence to give legitimacy to the disputed council.

Adeyemi was subsequently ordered to be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending October 12, when the court is expected to begin the substantive hearing of the case.

The case, which was initially instituted by the police, has now been taken over by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, is leading the prosecution.

The prosecution requested an accelerated hearing, while Adeyemi’s lawyer, Genesis Francis, asked the court to consider his client’s bail application.

Francis told the court that Adeyemi was suffering from a contagious ailment and had a medical appointment scheduled for Friday. The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that adequate medical facilities were available to attend to his health needs.

Justice Umar ruled that the bail application would be considered on the next adjourned date.

The allegations against Adeyemi stem from a controversy over the existence and status of the PFIPC. The Presidency has maintained that the council was not established or authorised as a federal government agency.

Investigators allege that forged documents, including appointment letters and official correspondence, were used to create the impression that the PFIPC was a legitimate government institution.

The allegations also include claims that Adeyemi presented himself as the council’s director-general and used documents bearing presidential letterheads, signatures, reference numbers and official seals.

Adeyemi has denied wrongdoing and has maintained that the council was genuine. He has also previously called for an independent investigation into the controversy surrounding the organisation and its appearance in the 2026 federal budget.

The controversy intensified after questions were raised over an allocation of about N1.3 billion associated with the purported council in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The court is expected to hear the matter further on October 12, when the prosecution will begin presenting its case.