The Nigeria Police Force has arrested the self-acclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, Adeniyi Adeyemi, in Osun State, hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrest in an interview on Tuesday, saying operatives of the Intelligence Response Team from Abuja apprehended Adeyemi at his hideout.
“Yes, it is confirmed. The Intelligence Response Team from Abuja arrested him here in Osun,” Ojelabi said.
He added that the suspect is expected to be transferred to Abuja for further investigation and prosecution.
A video circulating online showed Adeyemi dressed in a light blue traditional outfit while being escorted by security operatives. In the footage, officers repeatedly asked him to identify himself.
“I’ve mentioned it, sir,” Adeyemi replied.
When the officers insisted, asking, “What is your name?” he responded, “I’ve said it several times.”
The arrest followed an order by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who directed security agencies to arrest Adeyemi after he failed to appear in court for his arraignment on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.
The court granted an oral application by the prosecution after the defendant was absent from proceedings, despite being scheduled to take his plea.
Justice Umar rejected the defence’s argument that Adeyemi stayed away from court because he feared for his life, ruling that he must be compelled to appear and answer the charges.
The case was subsequently adjourned until September 30, 2026, for arraignment.
The Nigeria Police allege that Adeyemi operated a purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has maintained does not exist.
Investigators also accused him of forging official documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter allegedly signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and using the documents to present the council as a legitimate federal agency.
The police further alleged that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the organisation and operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja.
A day before his arrest, Adeyemi dismissed claims that he was evading security agencies during an interview on Channels Television.
“I’m ready to show my face. I’m not hiding. I’m only fearing for my life because I have it on good authority that my life is in danger. There have been several attempts on my life,” he said.
He also repeated his allegation that he paid ₦400 million through an intermediary to secure the appointment and called for an independent investigation into the matter.
If convicted, Adeyemi could face up to 21 years’ imprisonment on the forgery-related charges, while the impersonation charge carries a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment or the option of a fine.
