The Nigeria Police Force has arrested the self-proclaimed 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.
Confirming the development on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said operatives of the Intelligence Response Team from Abuja apprehended Adeyemi at his hideout in the state. He added that the suspect is expected to be transferred to Abuja for further legal proceedings.
“Yes, it is confirmed. The Intelligence Response Team from Abuja arrested him here in Osun,” Ojelabi said.
A video circulating online showed Adeyemi dressed in a light blue traditional outfit while surrounded by security operatives during the arrest.
In the footage, he appeared calm but visibly tense as officers questioned him about his identity.
When asked to identify himself, Adeyemi declined to state his name directly.
“I’ve mentioned it, sir,” he said.
The officers, however, insisted that he repeat his name.
“Mention it for us, please. What is your name? What is your name?” one of the officers asked.
Adeyemi responded, “I’ve said it several times.”
His arrest followed an order by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who issued a bench warrant after the defendant failed to appear in court for arraignment over alleged conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.
The court granted an oral application by the prosecution after Adeyemi failed to appear to take his plea on an eight-count charge filed against him by the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the prosecution, Adeyemi allegedly operated the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has repeatedly stated does not exist.
While ruling on the application, Justice Umar rejected the argument by Adeyemi’s counsel that his client stayed away from court because he feared for his life.
The judge held that the defendant must be compelled to appear before the court to answer the charges and subsequently adjourned the case until September 30, 2026, for arraignment.
The arrest came barely 24 hours after Adeyemi denied reports that he was on the run from security agencies.
During an interview on Channels Television on Monday, he maintained that he was not in hiding.
“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 also reiterated his claim that he paid ₦400 million through an intermediary to secure his appointment as Director-General of the disputed council and called for an independent investigation into the matter.
Police investigators alleged that Adeyemi forged several official government documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter allegedly signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, along with other documents used to portray the council as a legitimate federal agency.
He is also accused of falsely presenting himself as the Director-General of the council and operating from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja.
If convicted on the forgery-related charges, Adeyemi could face up to 21 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine, while the impersonation charge carries a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment or a fine.
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