ICPC Arraigns Adeniyi Adeyemi Over Alleged Fake Investment Council

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has formally arraigned Adeniyi Adeyemi, the individual identified as the director-general of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. According to reports from Channels Television, Adeyemi faces 22 counts of forgery and impersonation.

The Allegations Against Adeyemi

The prosecution alleges that on or about March 8, 2024, Adeyemi forged a document—referenced as SH/COS/209/A/3456—which purportedly bore the signature of Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President. The document allegedly appointed Adeyemi to lead the PFIPC. The ICPC claims that this forged document was utilized to secure government recognition and legitimacy to facilitate alleged fraudulent activities.

Investigations by the ICPC, as stated by Chairman Musa Aliyu, suggest that the PFIPC was never an officially sanctioned government body. Preliminary findings indicate that the appointment letter, the gazette, and other documentation used to establish the council were fabricated. Furthermore, the agency reportedly operated out of the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and recruited staff without any legal mandate.

Legal Proceedings and Bail Application

During the arraignment, counsel for the ICPC, Fatima Bardi, requested that the court schedule a date for the commencement of the trial. Meanwhile, defense counsel Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, made an oral application for bail. Justice Halilu Yusuf denied the oral request, directing the defense to file a formal written application.

The defense noted that Adeyemi has been in detention for 155 days and cited health concerns, claiming to hold medical reports from a police clinic. Justice Yusuf has adjourned the matter until November 9 for the trial and the potential hearing of the bail application.

Background of the Case

This development follows the dismissal of an earlier eight-count charge against Adeyemi at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Justice Mohammed Umar struck out that case after the Federal Government requested the move to the FCT High Court for a fresh arraignment. Adeyemi was initially arrested in Osun State on July 14, following his failure to appear in court despite a summons.

The controversy surrounding the PFIPC also involved public accusations made by Adeyemi, who alleged that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, accepted ₦400 million through a proxy to facilitate his appointment. Gbajabiamila has denied these claims. Following the emergence of these allegations, President Bola Tinubu directed the ICPC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

Conclusion

As the legal proceedings move to the FCT High Court, the case highlights the government’s efforts to address the operation of unauthorized entities claiming official status. The court is expected to deliberate on the bail application and the merits of the 22-count charge in the upcoming November session.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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