ICPC re-arraigns fake ‘Presidential Council’ DG Adeniyi Adeyemi for forgery, fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday re-arraigned Adeniyi Adeyemi, the purported director-general of the non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), before the FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

The re-arraignment followed the withdrawal of the previous charges about 17 days ago.

The fresh indictment expanded the original eight counts filed last year by the police to 22 counts, incorporating the earlier allegations alongside new charges.

The defendant was previously arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on 30 September.

But the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, withdrew the charges on 12 October for amendments and refiling at the FCT High Court in Abuja considered to be the appropriate venue for the nature of charges involved in the case.

On Thursday, the ICPC arraigned Mr Adeyemi on the amended 22 count, including forgery, false personation as a public servant, and obtaining over N27 billion to start the fake agency and N3.8 billion for personnel costs.

The anti-graft agency accused him of obtaining the money by forging a document addressed to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

It accused him of forging documents signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, appointing him as Director General of PFIPC, and occupying government office facilities at the Federal Secretariat Complex Phase III.

ICPC also said Mr Adeyemi forged a document to the Accountant-General of the Federation captioned “RE: REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF SELF-ACCOUNTING STATUS” for the non-existent agency to operate within the government financial reporting structure.

It also alleged that he forged documents to the DG of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to get a domain name for the agency.

The commission also accused Mr Adeyemi of gifting N210,000 to Aminu Abdullahi, an Assistant Chief Technical Officer in the Office of the Secretary General of the Federation (OSFG), “to facilitate the allocation of office space,” without official authorisation.

He also allegedly gifted N300,000 to an officer in the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Ogaba Harry, to facilitate the release and handover of two official vehicles (a Prado SUV and Land Cruiser SUV) to him, the charge said.

ICPC also alleged that on 29 July 2025, the defendant collected N20 million from Oyekunle Gbenga, the Managing Director of Divine Dopacy Nigeria Limited, under the false pretence of a “project facilitation loan” for a purported N2.8 billion contract awarded by the fictitious agency to procure furniture and renovate the official residence of the DG, PFIPC.

The defendant allegedly committed the offences between 2024 and 2026, contravening sections 364, 366, and 132 of the Penal Code Cap. 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990, Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and Section 9(a) and punishable under Section 9(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Mr Adeyemi denied all the allegations when the charges were read to him on Thursday.

Following the defendant’s not-guilty plea, ICPC’s lawyer Fatima Bardi asked the court to set a date for the commencement of trial, but Mr Adeyemi’s lawyer, Ibrahim Angulu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), made an oral bail application for the defendant.

However, trial judge Halilu Yusuf directed Mr Angulu to file a written bail application.

Mr Angulu consented, but asked for a short date, citing Mr Adeyemi’s prolonged detention and health challenge.

He told the court that Mr Adeyemi had spent 155 days in detention and had received a health report from the police clinic.

After listening to his submission, the judge fixed 9 November for commencement of trial and possible hearing of bail.

Mr Adeyemi has been in police custody since 14 July, when police arrested him following a warrant issued by Judge Umar.

The case followed a petition by the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the Inspector-General of Police and the State Security Service (SSS) on 17 October last year.

Mr Gbajabiamila complained about alleged forgery and impersonation linked to the purported PFIPC and Mr Adeyemi’s claim to be its director-general.

This prompted the police to arrest Mr Adeyemi at his office at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja on 27 October.

According to the police investigation, officers recovered correspondence between the purported agency and several government ministries, departments and agencies. Investigators also traced 34 bank accounts linked to the operation, including nine accounts opened in the names of purported government agencies.

He allegedly gained access to government institutions and processes by presenting documents that purported to show that PFIPC had been created and recognised by the presidency.

Mr Adeyemi spent 23 days in police custody before he was granted administrative bail on 19 November 2025 on health grounds, and the police filed an eight-count charge against him on 27 November.

The police first charged Mr Adeyemi and others said to be at large with eight counts on 27 November 2025.

But several attempts to bring Mr Adeyemi to court for arraignment failed.

He was scheduled to be arraigned on 3 February, but the attempt failed after his lawyer asked for more time. The lawyer argued at the time that the defence was served with the charges only recently. Judge Umar eventually adjourned the matter until 11 February.

But the court did not sit on 11 February, and a fresh date of 14 April was subsequently communicated.

Mr Adeyemi was absent from court on 14 April. His lawyer presented a letter indicating that he was ill and asked for an adjournment. The prosecution opposed the request, and the court moved the case to 16 June.

Mr Adeyemi appeared on 16 June, but his lawyer told the court that he was unwell and unable to proceed. Judge Umar therefore fixed 14 July for the arraignment.

When the case was called on 14 July, the prosecution told the court that it did not know Mr Adeyemi’s whereabouts.

His defence lawyer, Mr Francis, told the judge that his client was unavailable and that the defence had tried to reach him. The lawyer further explained that Mr Adeyemi feared for his life and had written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu because his client wanted to remain alive to face the trial.

The prosecution then made an oral application for a warrant for his arrest, which Judge Umar granted, and rescheduled proceedings for 30 September, when he was eventually arraigned and the judge ordered his remand in prison.

Less than 12 hours after the court issued the order, the police said its Intelligence Response Team from Abuja was arrested in a hideout in Osun State.

He has remained in custody at Kuje prison since then.

FULL DETAILS OF THE FRESH CHARGES AGAINST MR ADEYEMI

Forgery punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Cap. 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990.

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, on or about the 8th March, 2024 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja did fraudulently make a forged document, to wit: a letter Reference: SH/COS/209/A/3456 dated 8th March 2024, purportedly signed/ issued by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President appointing you as the Director General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), with the intention of causing it to be believed as genuine.

Using as genuine a forged document contrary to Section 366 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Cap. 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990.

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew between 8th March, 2024 to July 2026 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, with intent of falsely presenting yourself as the Director General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PIFPC), a fake/non-existing agency as a duly established government entity, and in order to obtain government recognition and legitimacy for the purpose of carrying out your fraudulent activities dishonestly used as genuine a forged document, to wit: letter Reference: SH/COS/209/A/3456 dated 8th March, 2024, purportedly signed/ issued by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President appointing you as the Director General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), with the intention of causing it to be believed as genuine which you knew or had reason to believe to be a forged document.

Personating a public servant punishable under Section 132 of the Penal Code Cap. 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, between 8th March, 2024 to July, 2026 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja pretended to hold the office of the Director General, Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), a fake/non- existing agency, as a public servant, and in such assumed character did occupy government office facilities at the Federal Secretariat Complex Phase III, 2nd Floor, Rooms 2.10 – 2.20, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, from where you carried out official functions with government agencies under colour of such office.

prince Adenìyì Adeyemì Matthew, sometime in 2024 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja did fraudulently make a forged document to wit: a law/legislation titled Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC)/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Chapter N2117, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, a device to legitimize the creation of a fake agency as a duly established government entity in order to obtain government recognition for the purpose of carrying out your fraudulent activities as Director General, Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, with the intention of causing it to be believed as genuine.

Using as genuine a forged document contrary to Section 366 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Cap. 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990.

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew between March 2024 – July 2026 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with intent of falsely presenting yourself as the Director General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PIFPC), a fake/non existing agency, as a duly established government entity and in order to obtain government recognition and legitimacy for the purpose of carrying out your fraudulent activities, dishonestly used as genuine a forged document to wit: a law/legislation titled Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC)/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) Chapter N2117, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, with the intention of causing it to be believed as genuine, which you knew or had reason to believe to be a forged document.

Forgery punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code, Cap. 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, Abuja (1990).

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew on or about 24th February 2023 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja did fraudulently make a forged document, to wit: an Executive Order No. 5 dated 24th February, 2023 purportedly establishing the Presidential Foreign Intervention Council (PFIPC), with the intention of causing it to be believed as genuine.

Using as genuine a forged document contrary to Section 366 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Cap. 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, (Abuja) 1990.

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew between February 2023 – July 2026 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with intent of falsely presenting yourself as the Director General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PIFPC), a fake/non existing agency as a duly established government entity and in order to obtain government recognition and legitimacy for the purpose of carrying out your fraudulent activities, dishonestly used as genuine a forged document, to wit: an Executive Order No. 5 dated 24th February, 2023 purportedly establishing the Presidential Foreign Intervention Council (PFIPC), with the intention of causing it to be believed as genuine, which you knew or had reason to believe to be a forged document.

Prince Adenivi Adeyemi Matthew, on or about the 7th November, 2024, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, did fraudulently make a forged document, to wit: letter dated 7th November, 2024, Reference: SH/PS/PFIPC/RO/107, on a fake State House Letterhead addressed to the Accountant General of the Federation, captioned:

“REQUEST FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CODE FOR PRESIDENTIAL FOREIGN INVESTMENT PROMOTION COUNCIL” purportedly signed by one Mr Akanbi Adewale, Director, Administration and Support Services, a non-existent Director and office, with the intention of causing it to be believed as genuine.

Using as genuine a forged document contrary to Section 366 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Cap. 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, on or about the 7th November, 2024, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, dishonestly used as genuine a forged document, to wit: letter dated 7th November, 2024, Reference: SH/PS/PFIPC/RQ/107, on a fake State House Letterhead addressed to the Accountant General of the Federation, captioned:

“REQUEST FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CODE FOR PRESIDENTIAL FOREIGN INVESTMENT PROMOTION COUNCIL” purportedly signed by one Mr Akanbi Adewale, Director, Administration and Support Services, a non-existent Director and office, which you knew or had reason to believe to be a forged document.

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, on or about the 12th March, 2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, did fraudulently make a forged document, to wit: a letter dated 12th March, 2025, Reference: SH/PEAC/PFIPC/RO/210, on a fake State House letterhead, addressed to the Accountant-General of the Federation, captioned “RE: REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF SELF-ACCOUNTING STATUS”

To enable the fake/fictitious Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council to operate within the government financial reporting structure, with the intention of causing it to be believed as genuine.

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, between 12th March, 2025 – July 2026 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja dishonestly used aS genuine a forged document, to Wit: letter dated 12th March, 2025 Reference: SH/PEAC/PFIPC/RQ/210 on a State House letterhead addressed to the Accountant-General of the Federation captioned: “RE: REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF SELF-ACCOUNTING STATUS” with intent of falsely presenting the Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council as a duly established government entity to operate within government financial reporting structure, which you knew or had reason to believe to be a forged document.

Prince Adenivi Adeyemi Matthew, on or about the 3rd March 2025 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with intent to commit fraud dishonestly made a forged document, to wit: |letter dated 3rd March, 2025, Reference: SH/DG/PEAC/PFIPC/RQ/25/202, on a fake State House letterhead addressed to the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, captioned:

“REQUEST FOR APPROVAL AND RELEASE OF TAKE-OFF GRANT IN THE SUM OF N27,395,510,136.00 FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL ECONOMIC ADVISORÝ COUNCIL AND PRESIDENTIAL FOREIGN INVESTMENT PROMOTION COUNCIL”

with the intention of causing it to be believed as genuine.

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew between 3rd March 2025 and July 2026 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, dishonestly used as genuine a forged document, to wit: letter dated 3rd March, 2025, Reference: SH/DG/PEAC/PFIPC/RQ/25/202, on a fake State House letterhead addressed to the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, captioned:

“REQUEST FOR APPROVAL AND RELEASE OF TAKEOFF GRANT IN THE SUM OF N27,395,510,136.00 FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL ECONOMIC ADVISORY COUNCIL AND PRESIDENTIAL FOREIGN INVESTMENT PROMOTION COUNCIL” which you knew or had reason to believe to be a forged document.

Prince Adenivi Adeyemi Matthew on or about the 27th September, 2024 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, with intent to commit fraud and falsely presenting the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council as a duly established government entity, in order to obtain government recognition and legitimacy for the purpose of carrying out fraudulent activities, dishonestly made a forged document, to wit: letter dated 27th September, 2024, Reference: SH/OVP/PFIPC/DG/210 on a fake State House letterhead addressed to the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) captioned:

“REQUEST FOR REGISTRATION OF DOMAIN NAME FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL FOREIGN INVESTMENT PROMOTION COUNCIL” with the intention of causing it to be believed as genuine.

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, between 27th September 2024 and July 2026, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, dishonestly used as genuine a forged document, to wit: Letter dated 27th September, 2024, Reference: SH/OVP/PFIPC/DG/210, on a fake State House letterhead addressed to the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) captioned:

“REQUEST FOR REGISTRATION OF DOMAIN NAME FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL FOREIGN INVESTMENT PROMOTION COUNCIL” which you knew or had reason to believe to be a forged document.

Attempt to obtain money by false pretences contrary to Sections 5(2) and 1(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

Prince Adenivi Adeyemi Matthew, between 20th August 2025 — July, 2026 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja with intent to defraud the Federal Government of Nigeria attempted to obtain through false representations to the Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, the insertion of the sum of N3,850,935,000.00 (Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand Naira) only as 2026 personnel cost budget proposal for the Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council PEAC/PFIPC, a fake agency unknown to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew on or about the 20th August, 2025 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja with intent to commit fraud and falsely presenting the Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PEAC/PFIPC), as a duly established government entity in order to obtain government budgetary funding/appropriation, dishonestly made a forged document on a forged State House letterhead dated 20th August, 2025 Reference: PEAC/PFIPC/DG/FMF/Vol…010 addressed to the Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Federal Ministry of Finance, captioned: “RE: 2026 PERSONNEL COST BUDGET PROPOSAL FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL ECONOMIC ADVISORY COUNCIL/PRESIDENTIAL FOREIGN INTERVENTION PROMOTION COUNCIL (PEAC/PFIPC) “with the intention of causing it to be believed as genuine.