Court Strikes Out 8-Count Charge Against Alleged Fake Presidential Agency DG As fresh charges begin

Court Strikes Out 8-Count Charge Against Alleged Fake Presidential Agency DG As fresh charges begin

A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out an eight-count charge against Adeniyi Adeyemi, who is accused of allegedly presenting himself as the Director-General of a purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The decision followed an application by the Federal Government to discontinue the existing proceedings and arraign the defendant afresh before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that a review by the Attorney-General of the Federation had raised concerns about the jurisdiction of the court handling the case.

According to the prosecution, the allegations, which include offences relating to forged documents, should be heard by the FCT High Court rather than the Federal High Court. The government subsequently filed a fresh charge before the FCT High Court and expressed its readiness to proceed with the new arraignment.

Adeyemi's counsel, Ibrahim Angulu, did not oppose the prosecution's request. Justice Mohammed Umar subsequently struck out the existing eight-count charge, allowing the government to pursue the case through the new proceedings.

The case centres on the alleged activities of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation reportedly operating as a government body despite questions about its legal establishment. Reports have also raised concerns over its alleged office at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, recruitment activities and a purported allocation in the 2026 federal budget.

The controversy further involves allegations concerning a purported appointment letter and claims by Adeyemi that Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, received ₦400 million through a proxy in connection with the appointment. The claims have generated public attention, prompting President Tinubu to direct the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter.

Adeyemi was reportedly arrested in Osun State on July 14 and had remained in police custody amid the legal proceedings. The fresh arraignment is expected to enable the Federal Government to continue its case before the court it considers to have the appropriate jurisdiction.

The allegations against Adeyemi have yet to be conclusively determined by the court.