‎Fake agency scandal: IGP’s Special Forces arrest controversial DG in Osun hideout ‎

‎ABUJA — Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT),on Tuesday, July 14, arrested Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-acclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), in Osun State following a bench warrant issued by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
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‎Adeyemi was apprehended after Justice Mohammed Umar ordered his arrest for failing to appear in court to answer an eight-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation. The court granted the prosecution’s application for a bench warrant when the defendant was absent during proceedings.
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‎Confirming the development, the Personal Assistant to the Force Public Relations Officer, Aminu Koji, said the suspect was arrested by IRT operatives in Osun State.
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‎A video circulated by TVC News later showed Adeyemi in police custody.
‎Manhunt Ends in Osun.
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‎Sources familiar with the operation disclosed that security operatives had tracked Adeyemi for more than a week before his eventual arrest. Investigators reportedly faced difficulties locating him after he allegedly switched off his mobile phones for several days.
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‎Following sustained surveillance efforts, the IRT team succeeded in tracing and arresting him in his Osun hideout.
‎The operation was reportedly led by CSP Moses Lohor, a former commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Osun State, who continued the search after other security agencies had monitored the suspect’s movements.
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‎Charges of Forgery and Impersonation:
‎The Federal Government filed charges against Adeyemi and two other suspects currently at large, identified only as Femi and Anu, alleging that they forged official government documents and falsely represented themselves as officials of a non-existent federal agency.
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‎According to court documents, the defendants allegedly forged presidential appointment letters, State House correspondence, approval documents, and other official records linked to the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
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‎The Presidency has repeatedly maintained that the agency does not exist.
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‎Prosecutors further accused Adeyemi of falsely presenting himself as the Director-General of the organisation between 2024 and 2025, an offence punishable under the Penal Code.
‎Court Adjourns Case
‎During proceedings, Adeyemi’s lawyer, Genesis Francis, told the court that his client had stayed away because he feared for his safety and had written to President Bola Tinubu regarding alleged threats to his life.
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‎However, Justice Umar dismissed the explanation and ordered his arrest, remarking that the court would ensure his safety. The matter was subsequently adjourned until September 30, 2026, for arraignment.
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‎Legal Reactions:
‎Reacting to the development, Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe (SAN) said the court acted within its powers by issuing a bench warrant after the defendant failed to appear.
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‎He also noted that President Tinubu’s directive for a special investigation into the alleged PFIPC fraud could broaden the scope of ongoing inquiries.
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‎Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Sam Erugo, also called for a comprehensive investigation into all individuals whose names have surfaced in connection with the allegations, stressing that law enforcement agencies should thoroughly examine every lead.
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‎If convicted on the forgery-related charges, Adeyemi could face up to 21 years imprisonment, while the impersonation charge carries a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment or a fine.
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