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The self-acclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, Adeniyi Adeyemi, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force in Osun few hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Online on Tuesday, the spokesperson of the Osun Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi told our correspondent that Adeniyi was arrested in his hideout in Osun by the Intelligence Response Team from Abuja. He is likely to be transferred to Abuja later today.
“Yes, it is confirmed. The Intelligence Response Team from Abuja arrested him here in Osun,” Ojelabi said.
A video of the arrest showed Adeyemi dressed in a light blue traditional outfit while surrounded by security operatives.
In the footage, he appeared serious and visibly concerned as he responded to questions from officers.
When asked to identify himself, Adeyemi initially declined to give a direct response.
“I’ve mentioned it, sir,” he said.
The officers insisted that he state his name again.
“Mention it for us, please. What is your name? What is your name?” one of the officers asked.
Adeyemi replied, “I’ve said it several times.”
His arrest came hours after Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered his arrest following his failure to appear for arraignment over alleged conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the judge granted an oral application by the prosecution after Adeyemi failed to appear in court to take his plea on an eight-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force.
The prosecution alleged that Adeyemi operated the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has maintained does not exist.
Justice Umar, while ruling on the prosecution’s application, dismissed arguments by Adeyemi’s lawyer that his client stayed away because he feared for his life.
According to the court, the defendant would be compelled to appear and face trial.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until September 30, 2026, for arraignment.
Adeyemi’s arrest comes barely a day after he publicly denied reports that he was evading security agencies.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, he had insisted he was not 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 repeated his allegation 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 controversy.
The police had accused Adeyemi of forging several official documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter allegedly signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as other government documents used to present the council as a legitimate federal agency.
Investigators also alleged that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the council and operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja.
If convicted on the forgery-related charges, he faces 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.
