Court Moves Against Adeniyi, Orders Arrest Over Alleged Director-General Impersonation

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly held himself out as the Director-General of the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), after he failed to appear before the court.

Adeyemi was scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Mohammed Umar on an eight-count charge involving alleged forgery, fraud, and impersonation. However, his absence from the proceedings prompted the court to grant the prosecution’s request for his arrest.

According to the prosecution, Adeyemi is accused of unlawfully presenting himself as the head of the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation authorities maintain is not a recognised Federal Government agency. Investigators allege that he used the claimed position to engage with individuals and institutions while creating the impression that he was acting with official government authority.

Following his failure to honour the court summons, Justice Umar directed security agencies to apprehend the defendant and produce him before the court to answer the charges against him.

The eight-count charge includes allegations of forgery, obtaining advantage through false representation, and impersonation. Prosecutors argue that the accused’s actions, if established in court, amounted to an attempt to mislead the public by assuming a government position to which he was never appointed.

The case has renewed concerns over the activities of individuals who allegedly create or exploit the identities of fictitious government bodies to gain credibility. Legal experts say such conduct has the potential to erode confidence in public institutions and expose unsuspecting citizens, investors, and businesses to deception.

Authorities have repeatedly urged Nigerians to confirm the authenticity of government agencies and public officials through official channels before entering into partnerships, making payments, or responding to requests made in the name of government institutions.

The matter has been adjourned until Adeyemi is arrested and brought before the court. As with all criminal proceedings, the allegations remain before the court, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.