Court Orders Arrest Of Self-Styled Presidential Agency Boss Adeniyi Adeyemi Over Alleged Forgery, Impersonation

 

By Abel Chigozie 

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, the self-proclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), after he allegedly failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment on charges bordering on forgery, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence. 

Justice Mohammed Umar issued the bench warrant following an application by the prosecution, led by the Nigeria Police Force, which informed the court that Adeyemi was absent despite being duly notified of the proceedings. The court subsequently adjourned the matter until the defendant is apprehended and produced before it. 

Adeyemi is facing an eight-count charge alongside two other suspects said to be at large. Prosecutors alleged that he forged official presidential documents, impersonated senior government officials and falsely presented himself as the head of a non-existent federal agency in an elaborate scheme designed to deceive government institutions and members of the public. 

Investigators said the alleged fake agency operated from office space within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and reportedly secured a budgetary allocation despite having no legal backing. Authorities also accused Adeyemi of using forged appointment letters bearing the alleged signature of the President's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to legitimise the organisation and engage with foreign diplomats and government agencies. 

The Presidency has consistently distanced itself from the PFIPC, describing it as a fictitious organisation. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated that security agencies uncovered forged documents, fake official seals and multiple bank accounts allegedly linked to the operation. According to the Presidency, investigations found no evidence that the Chief of Staff authorised the creation of the agency or appointed Adeyemi to any government position. 

The police maintained that the alleged offences brought the Presidency into disrepute and undermined public confidence in government institutions. The force said it would continue efforts to arrest Adeyemi and ensure he faces trial in accordance with the law.