PFIPC Scandal: Federal High Court Issues Bench Warrant for Adeniyi Adeyemi.
Court Drama Intensifies as Suspect Cites Life Threats in Forgery and Impersonation Case.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The PFIPC scandal took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-acclaimed Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
Justice Mohammed Umar granted the prosecution’s application after Adeyemi failed to appear for his arraignment on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation. The Presidency has consistently maintained that the organisation does not exist, making this case a significant test of accountability in Nigeria’s fight against official document fraud.
In this report, we examine the key developments, reactions from stakeholders, and the broader implications.
Background of the Story
The PFIPC scandal erupted in late 2025 when forged documents claiming presidential backing began circulating widely. The Office of the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu petitioned the Inspector-General of Police on October 17, 2025, prompting a full investigation into the alleged scheme. Charges were filed on November 27, 2025, against Adeyemi and two co-suspects identified only as Femi and Anu, who remain at large. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025, has been plagued by repeated adjournments, reflecting the complexity of prosecuting white-collar crimes involving high-level impersonation.
Key Developments
Adeyemi, 38, allegedly operated from the 2nd Floor of the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase III, Abuja, while presenting forged documents including a purported presidential appointment letter signed by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, State House letterheads, and various approval requests. Specific charges detail forgery under the Miscellaneous Offences Act and false personation under Section 179 of the Penal Code.
The scheme reportedly involved creating the false impression of a legitimate federal agency, complete with fake seals and the Nigerian Coat of Arms. Investigations also linked the matter to the late Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, who died in a hotel fire in Abuja. Conviction on the forgery counts could attract up to 21 years’ imprisonment, while impersonation carries a maximum of three years or a fine.
Reactions from Stakeholders
When the prosecution, led by Wisdom Madaki, sought the bench warrant, Adeyemi’s lawyer, Genesis Francis, informed the court that his client feared for his life and had written directly to President Tinubu. Justice Umar responded firmly, stating, “The court will help him be alive,” before ordering the warrant and adjourning proceedings to September 30, 2026.
Just a day earlier, Adeyemi had appeared on Channels Television, declaring: “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 further alleged paying ₦400 million through an intermediary for the appointment and claimed lenders had petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission https://efcc.gov.ng.
Implications
The PFIPC scandal raises serious concerns about the vulnerability of Nigeria’s governance symbols to exploitation by fraudsters. Politically, it tests the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transparency in investment promotion initiatives. Economically, such scams could deter genuine foreign investors while highlighting weaknesses in inter-agency coordination. Socially, the case fuels public cynicism towards institutions and underscores the human cost, including the mysterious death of a key figure in the saga.
What Happens Next
With the bench warrant active, security agencies are expected to intensify efforts to apprehend Adeyemi. The suspect has called for an independent multi-stakeholder investigative panel involving civil society, the Nigerian Bar Association, media organisations, international bodies, and anti-graft agencies like the ICPC and EFCC. He has pledged full cooperation and documentary evidence if such a panel is formed. The September 30 court date will be critical in determining the trajectory of this high-profile matter.
Conclusion
As the PFIPC scandal continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against the abuse of presidential authority. The iNews Times remains committed to delivering in-depth coverage of this case and its ramifications for governance and justice in Nigeria. Developments in this matter will undoubtedly shape conversations around institutional integrity and the rule of law in the coming months.
