How police tracked, arrested alleged PFIPC DG in Osun village

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have arrested Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-proclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), in Osun State, hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest over alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation.

Adeyemi was apprehended during a coordinated security operation at a village in Ijesaland, where he had reportedly gone into hiding. Security sources said the operation was carried out by the Police IRT after intelligence gathered by the Department of State Services (DSS), which had tracked his movements for about five days before handing over the operation to the police.

The Osun State Police Command confirmed the arrest, stating that Adeyemi had been taken into custody and was being transported to Abuja to face prosecution.

His arrest came shortly after Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court granted an application by police prosecutor Wisdom Madaki, directing security agencies to arrest and produce Adeyemi before the court after he repeatedly failed to appear for his arraignment.

The defendant is expected to answer an eight-count charge bordering on alleged criminal conspiracy, forgery, fraud and impersonation in a case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that the matter had been adjourned several times due to Adeyemi’s repeated absence.

“My lord, this is the fifth time this case is coming up, and all the adjournments have been at the instance of the defendant,” the police lawyer told the court while urging the judge to issue a bench warrant under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

However, Adeyemi’s lawyer, Genesis Francis, opposed the application, arguing that his client had stayed away from court because of alleged threats to his life.

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According to the defence counsel, Adeyemi had previously appeared in court but later withdrew from public view after receiving what he described as credible threats to his safety.

After considering submissions from both parties, Justice Umar held that the defendant had failed to appear before the court on four consecutive occasions and consequently ordered his arrest. The judge fixed September 30, 2026, for Adeyemi’s arraignment.

Police investigations into the matter began after the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, headed by Femi Gbajabiamila, petitioned the Inspector-General of Police on October 17, 2025, over the alleged circulation of forged presidential appointment letters purportedly issued from the office.

According to investigators, preliminary findings indicated that the forged documents contained fake signatures, official seals, reference numbers and the Nigerian Coat of Arms, and were allegedly used to recruit individuals into the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), an organisation the Presidency has consistently maintained does not legally exist.

Investigators further alleged that Adeyemi presented himself as the Director-General of the council and operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase III, Abuja, giving the impression that the organisation was an official Federal Government agency.

Police also claimed that forged government documents linked to the council were allegedly used to open several bank accounts, including one associated with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Investigators, however, said there was no evidence that public funds were paid into the accounts.

Among those expected to testify during the trial are Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, officials of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), senior police officers and other witnesses connected to the investigation.

Before his arrest, Adeyemi told Channels Television that he was not evading security agencies but had deliberately withdrawn from public view because of alleged threats to his life.

“I am not hiding. I am 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 said.

Adeyemi also repeated his claim that he paid ₦400 million to secure his appointment as Director-General of the council, alleging that those who provided the money later petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after the controversy surrounding the PFIPC emerged.

He has consistently denied allegations that the PFIPC is a non-existent organisation and has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel comprising representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), ICPC, EFCC, civil society organisations, international partners and the media to investigate the controversy, including claims relating to an alleged ₦1.3 billion budget provision linked to the council.

Adeyemi further claimed that his decision to remain out of public view was influenced by the death of Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as a key intermediary in the PFIPC matter. Tanimola reportedly died in a fire incident at a hotel in Abuja, although authorities have not publicly linked the death to the ongoing investigation.

The arrest marks a significant development in the high-profile PFIPC investigation, with attention now shifting to Adeyemi’s arraignment and the commencement of trial in what has become one of the most closely watched alleged forgery and impersonation cases involving purported government appointments.

How police tracked, arrested alleged PFIPC DG in Osun village

UK-based Nigerian caregiver dies by suicide as coroner cites prolonged mental health struggles

A United Kingdom coroner’s court has ruled that Beatrice Solomon, a 27-year-old Nigerian caregiver who relocated to the UK on a skilled worker visa, died by suicide after battling prolonged mental health challenges linked to personal difficulties.

The tragic case, heard at a coroner’s inquest in Stoke-on-Trent, has renewed concerns over the mental health pressures faced by some migrants adjusting to life in a new country.

Beatrice moved from Nigeria to the UK in November 2023 to work as a caregiver. She was living with her husband, Damian Michael Butler, and their young son at their home on Norris Road, Stanfield, Stoke-on-Trent.

According to evidence presented during the inquest, the incident occurred on March 4, 2026. Butler told the court that he left home at about 4:30 p.m. for his delivery job before returning approximately two hours later to use the bathroom, where he found his wife unresponsive.

Emergency responders and police officers arrived at the scene shortly after an emergency call was made. However, Beatrice was pronounced dead at 6:21 p.m.

Police investigations found no evidence of foul play or third-party involvement, prompting a coroner’s inquest into the circumstances surrounding her death.

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During the hearing, Butler revealed that his wife had experienced significant mental health challenges over the previous year, which he attributed to ongoing issues involving Stoke-on-Trent City Council. However, the inquest did not conclude that the council was legally responsible for her death.

He also disclosed that he later discovered Beatrice had made two previous attempts to take her own life, information he said he had not known before the tragedy.

A post-mortem examination carried out by Dr. Jones concluded that the medical cause of death was oxygen deprivation.

Delivering her verdict, Coroner Li Hammond-Naylor ruled that Beatrice died by suicide.

“It is clear to me that Beatrice had researched and planned how to take her life. I can only extend my sincere condolences to Beatrice’s family and friends,” the coroner said.

Beatrice is survived by her husband, their son and her siblings.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the mental health challenges that some migrants may face while adapting to life abroad. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), migrants can experience increased risks of mental health conditions due to a combination of factors, including separation from loved ones, financial pressures, uncertainty about the future, discrimination, language barriers and difficulties accessing healthcare services.

The WHO has called for stronger mental health support systems, culturally appropriate healthcare services and timely interventions to help migrants experiencing emotional or psychological distress. Mental health experts also say early access to professional care, strong family support and community engagement remain critical in preventing mental health crises among vulnerable populations.

UK-based Nigerian caregiver dies by suicide as coroner cites prolonged mental health struggles

NYSC warns employers over failure to provide accommodation for corps members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that employers who fail to provide accommodation and transportation for corps members posted to their organisations will be blacklisted from participating in the scheme.

The warning was issued by the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, during an interactive session with corps members in Kogi State as part of his working visit to assess their welfare, security and the implementation of the national service programme.

According to a statement released by the NYSC on Tuesday, Nafiu said organisations that neglect their welfare obligations would no longer enjoy the privilege of having corps members posted to them.

“Any employer who did not provide accommodation and transportation for Corps Members would be blacklisted from enjoying Corps services,” the Director-General said.

He explained that employers have a responsibility to create a conducive environment for corps members by providing decent accommodation, transportation where necessary and adequate welfare support throughout their service year.

According to him, improving the welfare of corps members would not only boost their morale but also enhance productivity, commitment and overall service delivery at their places of primary assignment.

The NYSC Director-General reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the safety, security and welfare of corps members across the country.

He assured participants that the scheme would continue working closely with security agencies, state governments and other stakeholders to ensure a safe and enabling environment for national service.

“The Federal Government is resolutely committed to your security and welfare,” Nafiu said.

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He appealed to state governments, local government councils, employers and community leaders to strengthen their support for the NYSC by providing the necessary facilities and resources that would enable corps members to perform their responsibilities effectively.

Nafiu also reminded corps members that security is a shared responsibility, urging them to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or security threats to relevant authorities.

He advised them to remain disciplined, dedicated to duty and avoid actions capable of tarnishing the image and reputation of the NYSC.

The Director-General further encouraged corps members to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, describing it as one of the most important initiatives introduced by the scheme to equip graduates with practical skills for self-employment and wealth creation.

He urged corps members to identify business opportunities within their host communities and begin developing sustainable sources of income during their service year.

“Be proactive, identify business opportunities within your host communities, and start making some money for yourselves even now,” he said.

Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s prevailing economic challenges, Nafiu also encouraged corps members to cultivate a savings culture and develop prudent financial management habits.

According to him, the service year should serve as an opportunity for young graduates to build financial discipline and prepare for life after the NYSC programme.

“Take your service year as a training ground for future financial management by managing your finances wisely,” he added.

Earlier, the NYSC Coordinator in Kogi State, Mrs Tochi Chika Chris-Moneke, commended the Director-General for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to the welfare and security of corps members and NYSC staff.

She disclosed that the state secretariat was planning to organise a Corps Employers’ Workshop to educate employers on their responsibilities under the NYSC scheme and improve compliance with welfare standards.

Chris-Moneke also announced plans to hold the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme in the coming weeks to expand healthcare services to underserved communities across the state.

Under the NYSC Act and the scheme’s operational guidelines, employers are expected to provide suitable accommodation where available or assist corps members in securing accommodation, while also ensuring a safe, supportive and conducive working environment.

The latest directive signals the NYSC’s renewed determination to strengthen compliance with these welfare obligations, improve the living and working conditions of corps members and enhance the overall effectiveness of the national service scheme across Nigeria.

NYSC warns employers over failure to provide accommodation for corps members