A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), after he failed to appear for his trial.
Justice Muhammed Umar issued a bench warrant for Adeyemi’s arrest on Tuesday following his absence in court.
Adeyemi’s counsel, Genesis Francis, told the court he had been unable to persuade his client to attend the proceedings.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/652/2026, is between Adeyemi and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Two other defendants, identified simply as Femi and Anu, are also listed in the charge and are said to be at large.
Justice Umar noted that the charges were initially filed on November 27, 2025, with proceedings commencing on December 4, 2025. He subsequently adjourned the case until September 30 for further hearing.
Earlier, defence counsel told the court that Adeyemi, in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, expressed fears for his life, citing the high-profile nature of the case.
However, prosecution counsel Wisdom Madaki opposed the explanation, arguing that the defendant had repeatedly failed to appear in court.
Madaki urged the court to invoke Section 394 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and issue a bench warrant.
He noted that Adeyemi had appeared only once since the charges were filed and had missed at least four subsequent sittings despite multiple adjournments granted at his request.
The PFIPC controversy has drawn significant public attention in recent months.
In June, the Presidency distanced itself from the council, stating that it does not exist under the current administration. The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, denied appointing Adeyemi to any position.
Adeyemi, however, challenged the claim, questioning how the council allegedly appeared in the 2026 national budget if it was indeed non-existent.
He also alleged that Gbajabiamila received N400 million through a proxy and demanded an additional N200 million to secure his appointment—claims that have not been substantiated.
Adeyemi further called for an investigation into the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as an intermediary in the matter, while also alleging attempts on his life.
On July 1, the Presidency confirmed that the police had filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi and two others over the alleged fraud.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the charges stemmed from allegations that forged appointment letters bearing official signatures, seals, and reference numbers were used to give legitimacy to the purported agency.
He added that Adeyemi was arrested in October 2025, with security operatives reportedly recovering forged documents from his office and residence.
The case is expected to continue following the court’s directive for his arrest.
