The Nigeria Police have arrested Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
His arrest followed a bench warrant issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja after Adeyemi failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment on Tuesday.
Reports indicate that police officers apprehended him shortly after the court’s order. He was reportedly dressed in blue and was immediately questioned by security operatives, who asked him to identify himself.
The Presidency has maintained that the PFIPC is not a recognised government agency, alleging that the organisation does not exist.
During the court proceedings, Adeyemi’s lawyer urged the judge not to issue an arrest warrant, claiming his client stayed away because he feared for his life.
The defence also told the court that Adeyemi had written to President Bola Tinubu to express concerns about his safety and wanted to remain alive to defend himself against the charges.
Justice Umar rejected the explanation, ruling that the defendant had no valid reason for ignoring the court’s summons. The judge added that the court would “help him to be alive.”
The court then ordered law enforcement agencies to arrest Adeyemi and produce him before the court. The case was adjourned until September 30 for his arraignment.
Adeyemi is facing an eight-count charge over the alleged establishment and operation of the purported PFIPC. His arraignment is expected to proceed on the next adjourned date following his arrest.
