TD The Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, has reportedly been arrested after the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest over allegations of forgery, fraud and impersonation.
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday ordered Adeyemi’s arrest after he failed to appear in court.
He was scheduled for arraignment on an eight-count charge brought against him by the Federal Government.
According to court reports, the charges border on alleged forgery, fraud, impersonation and related offences.
Multiple Nigerian media outlets subsequently reported that Adeyemi was arrested shortly after the court issued the warrant.
However, as of the time of filing this report, there had been no independent official confirmation from the Nigeria Police Force or the Federal High Court regarding the reported arrest.
PFIPC Described as Non-Existent Agency
The case centres on Adeyemi’s alleged operation of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
The Presidency has repeatedly described as a fictitious body with no legal backing or recognition within the Federal Government.
Prosecutors allege that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the head of the council and used forged government documents in the course of the alleged scheme.
Gbajabiamila Mentioned as Witness, Not Accused
The case has attracted public attention because the name of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, surfaced during the controversy.
However, court documents and reports indicate that Gbajabiamila is listed as a prosecution witness rather than an accused person.
Prosecutors allege that forged documents bearing his name and signature were used in connection with the alleged offences.
There is no indication from the ongoing court proceedings that the Chief of Staff has been accused of any criminal wrongdoing.
The Presidency has consistently denied allegations linking him to the activities of the alleged PFIPC and maintains that the council does not exist as a government agency.
Case to Continue
The Federal Government is expected to proceed with the prosecution once Adeyemi is formally brought before the court.
The matter is likely to remain under public scrutiny given the allegations involving the use of forged official documents and the references made to senior government officials.
The court is expected to fix a new date for Adeyemi’s arraignment following his reported arrest.
