Adeniyi Adeyemi arraigned over alleged forgery, impersonation

The Federal Government has arraigned Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly posed as the Director-General of a non-existent government agency, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges including forgery and impersonation.

Adeyemi was brought before the court on Wednesday to answer an eight-count charge relating to the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The prosecution alleged that he forged an appointment letter purportedly issued by President Bola Tinubu and signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

He was also accused of using documents bearing presidential letterheads to seek office accommodation and cooperation from government agencies.

The charges further alleged that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the head of the purported council and used documents attributed to the Presidency in dealings with public institutions.

The case had suffered several adjournments after Adeyemi failed to appear for previous court proceedings. In July, Justice Mohammed Umar issued a warrant for his arrest to ensure his appearance before the court.

The State House had earlier said the purported agency was not established or authorised by the Presidency and that the appointment documents attributed to it were allegedly forged.

Adeyemi has previously denied wrongdoing and maintained that the agency was legitimate.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded in custody pending further proceedings. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 12.