The Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded Adeniyi Adeyemi, who describes himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, in the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Justice Mohammed Umar issued the order on Wednesday after Adeyemi pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy, forgery and impersonation. Two other suspects, identified in the charge as Femi and Anu, remain at large.
The court adjourned the case until October 12, 2026, for trial and hearing of Adeyemi’s bail application.
Adeyemi’s arraignment followed several failed attempts by the authorities to bring him before the court. Justice Umar had earlier issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear for a scheduled arraignment in July.
Police subsequently arrested him in Osun State, after reportedly tracing him to a hideout.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025, accuses Adeyemi and the two other suspects of allegedly forging official documents, including a presidential appointment letter, State House letterheads and correspondence relating to the purported establishment and operation of the PFIPC.
The prosecution also accused Adeyemi of allegedly presenting himself as the Director-General of the council, an offence it said contravenes Section 179 of the Penal Code.
Adeyemi has denied the allegations and maintained that the PFIPC exists.
Justice Umar issued a bench warrant against Adeyemi on July 14 after he failed to appear for arraignment.
His lawyer, Genesis Francis, told the court that his client had stayed away because he feared for his life. He also said Adeyemi had written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu raising concerns about his safety.
The police later confirmed Adeyemi’s arrest in Osun State and brought him back into custody ahead of Wednesday’s proceedings.
The prosecution’s case includes allegations that Adeyemi and his alleged accomplices forged a letter purportedly appointing him to the PFIPC.
They are also accused of allegedly forging presidential letterhead, requests for office space and other documents purportedly originating from the State House.
One of the counts alleges that Adeyemi falsely represented himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC.
The Presidency has previously distanced itself from the PFIPC, saying the agency does not exist under the current administration.
The Federal Government has also directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate activities surrounding the purported agency.
Adeyemi’s criminal case remains before the Federal High Court, and the allegations against him have yet to be determined by the court.
