A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an arrest warrant for Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly posed as the Director-General of a non-existent government agency, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). Justice Mohammed Umar ordered the arrest after Adeyemi failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment on charges of forgery and impersonation.
The Charges Against Adeniyi Adeyemi
The Nigerian government has filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi, accusing him and several accomplices—identified as Femi and Anu—of orchestrating a forgery scheme. According to court documents, the defendants allegedly forged an appointment letter purportedly signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.
The charges further allege that Adeyemi forged Presidential letterhead papers, documents requesting office space, and requests for the approval of staff account statuses. Prosecutors state these actions violated the Miscellaneous Offences Act and the Penal Code. The court has adjourned the matter to September 30 for formal arraignment.
Government Position vs. Defendant Claims
Bayo Onanuga, a spokesperson for the Presidency, has labeled Adeyemi a “con artist” who built a “web of false claims” to deceive public officials. Onanuga noted that in 2016, the defendant allegedly paraded himself as an ambassador and President-General of the World Youth Organisation (WYO) that the United Nations later confirmed did not exist.
Adeyemi has consistently denied the allegations. In a statement released on June 26, 2026, he asserted that he possesses documentation proving the legitimacy of his appointment. He further challenged the government’s claim that the agency is fake, pointing to the 2026 appropriation budget. “If the agency no dey exist, how the name take enter the 2026 appropriation budget for pages 50 and 51?” Adeyemi asked in his statement.
Pro Tip: When verifying government appointments or agencies in Nigeria, official portals such as the State House website or the Federal Ministry of Information are the primary sources for authenticating official gazettes and appointments.
Legal Defense and Court Proceedings
During the court session on Tuesday, Adeyemi’s lawyer, Genesis Francis, informed the judge that his client feared for his life. Francis stated that Adeyemi had submitted an open letter to President Tinubu requesting protection. Justice Mohammed Umar dismissed the concern regarding personal safety as a reason for absence, stating that the court would ensure the defendant remains alive to face his trial.
Prosecution counsel Wisdom Madaki successfully moved for a bench warrant, noting that the defendant had been properly served with court summons but chose not to appear. The court’s decision to issue the warrant marks a significant escalation in the legal battle between the Nigerian state and the accused.
Did you know? The Miscellaneous Offences Act, under which Adeyemi is charged, is frequently used in Nigeria to prosecute cases involving the forgery of government documents and the impersonation of public officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC)?
According to the Nigerian government, the PFIPC is a non-existent agency. Prosecutors allege the name was fabricated as part of a forgery scheme. - Why was an arrest warrant issued for Adeniyi Adeyemi?
Justice Mohammed Umar issued the warrant after Adeyemi failed to appear in court for his arraignment on two separate occasions. - When is the next court date?
The case has been adjourned to September 30 for formal arraignment.
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