Police arrested DG Adeyemi of the presidential council after a court issued a bench warrant

Nigerian Police have arrested Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-proclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, hours after the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered his arrest for failure to appear in court on charges of forgery, conspiracy and impersonation.

Adeyemi was arrested in Osun State by Intelligence Response Team (IRT) operatives from the Army Headquarters in Abuja and is expected to be transferred to the Federal Capital Territory to face prosecution.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the suspect was picked up at his hideout in the state.

“Yes, it has been confirmed. The Abuja Intelligence Response Team arrested him here in Osun,” Ojelabi said.

Video circulating after the operation showed Adeyemi wearing light blue traditional clothing while surrounded by security officers.

During the encounter, officers repeatedly asked that he identify himself, but he initially refused to do so directly.

“I already mentioned it, sir,” he replied.

The officers pressed further.

“Please state it for us. What’s your name? What’s your name?” one of the officers asked.

Adeyemi replied, “I have said it several times.”

His arrest follows the decision of Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who earlier on Tuesday issued a bench warrant after the defendant failed to appear for arraignment on eight charges filed against him by the Nigerian Police.

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Prosecutors had urged the court to compel his arrest after he failed to show up for the scheduled start of his trial.

Police accused Adeyemi of operating the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organization the Presidency has consistently maintained has no legal existence.

By rejecting the defense’s explanation that the defendant did not appear in court because he feared for his safety, Judge Umar granted the prosecutor’s request for a warrant and set a date of September 30, 2026 for his arraignment.

Ironically, the arrest came less than 24 hours after Adeyemi publicly denied claims that he was in hiding.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television on Monday, he stated that he remained willing to face scrutiny but was concerned for his personal safety.

“I’m ready to show my face. I’m not hiding. I’m just afraid for my life because I believe that my life is in danger.

“There have been several attempts on my life.”

Adeyemi also reiterated his claim that he paid ₦400 million through intermediaries to secure his appointment as Director General of the disputed council, while demanding an independent investigation into the matter.

According to investigators, Adeyemi allegedly forged several official government documents, including a letter of presidential appointment purportedly signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as other documents allegedly used to portray the council as a legitimate federal agency.

Police further alleged that he falsely presented himself as the Director General of the organization and operated from an office at the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja.

If found guilty of forgery-related offences, Adeyemi faces a prison sentence of up to 21 years without the option of a fine, while a charge of impersonation carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison or payment of a fine.