Court orders arrest of alleged fake PFIPC DG Adeyemi over forgery, fraud charges

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the arrest of Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-acclaimed Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), after he failed to appear in court for his scheduled arraignment over allegations of forgery, fraud and impersonation.

Justice Mohammed Umar issued a bench warrant for Adeyemi’s arrest on Tuesday when the criminal case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025, was called and the defendant was absent from court. The judge granted an application by police prosecutor, Wisdom Madaki, directing law enforcement agencies to arrest Adeyemi and produce him before the court.

Adeyemi is facing an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery, impersonation and fraud. The charges, filed by the Nigeria Police on November 27, 2025, also named two other defendants who are reportedly at large.

The prosecution told the court that Adeyemi’s absence prevented the commencement of his arraignment, prompting the request for a warrant of arrest. Although a lawyer announced an appearance on his behalf, the court held that the defendant must personally appear to take his plea.

The case has generated widespread public attention following allegations that Adeyemi presented himself as the head of a presidential agency that the Federal Government insists does not exist.

According to the charge, Adeyemi and the other defendants allegedly forged several official government documents to create the impression that the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) was a legitimate federal agency. The police accused them of producing and circulating fake documents, including an alleged presidential appointment letter, forged State House correspondence, documents purportedly approving the establishment of the council, requests for the opening of government bank accounts, applications for office accommodation and letters seeking collaboration with federal ministries and agencies.

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Investigators further alleged that the accused operated the purported council from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja while presenting it as an official government institution.

The prosecution has lined up several witnesses for the trial, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Paul Emmanuel, Jeremiah Imoukhede, Ituah Sylvester, officials of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation—Akimbo Shola and Adamu Balongu—as well as a Deputy Superintendent of Police and other investigators involved in the case.

The prosecution is also expected to tender documentary evidence, including the petition submitted by the Office of the Chief of Staff to the Inspector-General of Police, investigation reports, witness statements and the alleged forged appointment documents.

The court’s decision came barely a day after Adeyemi denied reports that he had gone into hiding to evade arrest. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, he insisted that he was not avoiding security agencies but had stayed away from public appearances because of fears for his safety.

According to him, there had been several attempts on his life, adding that he was willing to appear publicly when his safety could be guaranteed.

Adeyemi also repeated his controversial claim that he paid ₦400 million through an intermediary to secure his appointment as Director-General of the disputed council. He alleged that individuals from whom he borrowed the money later petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the payment.

The Presidency has consistently maintained that the PFIPC is not a recognised government agency. The Office of the Chief of Staff to the President had earlier petitioned the Inspector-General of Police after allegedly discovering forged appointment letters and other official documents bearing the name of the State House.

Authorities insist that the alleged council was never established by the Federal Government and have described Adeyemi as an impostor facing criminal prosecution.

Following Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until September 30, 2026, when Adeyemi is expected to be produced before the court for arraignment if the arrest warrant has been executed.

The case is expected to remain in the spotlight as prosecutors seek to prove allegations that forged presidential documents were used to create and operate a non-existent federal agency.

Court orders arrest of alleged fake PFIPC DG Adeyemi over forgery, fraud charges

Works Minister Umahi orders autopsy, rejects secrecy claims over aide’s death

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has dismissed allegations of a cover-up surrounding the death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) and seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works, insisting that the incident was promptly reported to the police and handled transparently in accordance with the law.

The minister also vowed to take legal action against individuals and groups he accused of spreading false and defamatory reports about the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, describing the allegations as an attempt to mislead the public and tarnish his reputation.

Speaking while inspecting ongoing construction work on the Ebonyi section of the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, Umahi explained that the deceased’s family became alarmed after they were unable to reach her and eventually forced open the door to her room.

According to him, doctors from the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH) were immediately contacted and rushed Habila to the hospital, where medical personnel made desperate efforts to save her life.

“The family broke the girl’s door, called doctors from DUFUTH, who took her to the hospital and did everything possible to revive her, but unfortunately she did not survive,” the minister said.

Rejecting claims that the incident was concealed, Umahi maintained that the matter was reported to the police without delay.

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“The family reported the matter to the police, so where is the secrecy?” he queried, insisting that every necessary legal procedure was followed from the onset.

To establish the exact cause of death and put an end to speculation, the minister disclosed that he had directed that an autopsy be conducted with the consent of Habila’s parents.

He revealed that he had initially advised the family to approve a post-mortem examination immediately after her death, but they declined at the time. However, following widespread public debate and conflicting narratives surrounding the incident, he said an autopsy had become necessary to determine the true cause of death through scientific investigation.

Umahi further disclosed that Habila’s parents, who are currently in Ebonyi State, are expected to address journalists after the autopsy and may also pursue legal action against individuals accused of circulating false information about their daughter’s death.

Describing the late Habila as a committed and hardworking healthcare professional, the minister said she had worked closely with him for about three years after being seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to the Federal Ministry of Works.

He noted that she carried out her professional duties diligently and regularly monitored his medical condition during official engagements.

Expressing sadness over her death, Umahi urged Nigerians to allow the police investigation and autopsy process to establish the facts instead of relying on rumours and unverified social media reports.

He condemned what he described as attempts to exploit the tragedy for political propaganda and online content creation, warning that such actions were insensitive to the deceased’s family.

The minister disclosed that he had instructed his legal team to commence court proceedings against those responsible for publishing what he described as falsehoods regarding the incident.

According to him, freedom of expression should not be used as a cover to spread misinformation capable of causing emotional distress to grieving families or damaging the reputation of innocent persons.

Umahi also dismissed separate allegations linking him to an alleged kidnap suspect said to have been recruited into the Ebubeagu security outfit during his tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State.

He challenged those making the claims to provide credible evidence, insisting that he had no personal relationship with the suspect and could not be held responsible for every individual recruited into the security outfit.

The minister reiterated his support for thorough investigations into all suspicious deaths and emphasized that the rule of law must prevail over speculation.

He maintained that the outcome of the police investigation and the autopsy would provide the answers Nigerians seek regarding Habila’s death.

The controversy has continued to attract nationwide attention, with many Nigerians calling for a transparent investigation to ensure accountability and restore public confidence.

Authorities are expected to release further details after the completion of the autopsy and ongoing police investigation.

Works Minister Umahi orders autopsy, rejects secrecy claims over aide’s death

Police rescue abducted Oyo headmaster after coordinated security operation

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the release of Mathew Owoade, the abducted headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Ogodu-Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, following a coordinated security operation that mounted intense pressure on his abductors and compelled them to abandon him.

The 60-year-old educator and farmer regained his freedom on Monday evening, less than 48 hours after he was kidnapped by suspected gunmen along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road, ending an ordeal that had sparked anxiety among residents, education stakeholders and the wider Oke Ogun community.

According to the Oyo State Police Command, the victim was rescued through a sustained joint operation involving police tactical teams and other security agencies, launched immediately after the incident was reported.

In a statement issued in Ibadan, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the swift deployment of security personnel and relentless investigative efforts forced the kidnappers to abandon the victim.

The police stated that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across Oyo State.

“Following the immediate deployment of a coordinated joint security operation and sustained investigative efforts by the Command, the intense operational pressure mounted on the abductors forced the hoodlums to abandon the victim, who regained his freedom on the evening of July 13, 2026,” the statement said.

Following his release, Owoade was taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment to ensure he was in stable condition after the traumatic experience.

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The command disclosed that investigators would formally debrief the headmaster after his medical assessment to obtain useful intelligence that could assist in identifying the kidnappers, tracking their movements and bringing all those involved in the crime to justice.

Police authorities stressed that investigations remain ongoing, with operatives already pursuing credible leads aimed at dismantling the criminal network responsible for the abduction.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Olugbenga Abimbola, commended the professionalism and collaboration demonstrated by security agencies, local vigilantes, hunters and members of the host community whose timely information contributed to the victim’s safe recovery.

He also appreciated residents for remaining calm and cooperating with security operatives throughout the rescue operation.

The police chief reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that no effort would be spared in ensuring that those responsible for the kidnapping are apprehended and prosecuted.

He further warned criminal elements operating within the state to desist from their activities or face the full weight of the law, stressing that Oyo State would not become a safe haven for kidnappers and other violent criminals.

The successful rescue comes just days after security agencies secured the release of dozens of pupils, teachers and caregivers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, reinforcing what security officials describe as improved intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity across the state.

Although the circumstances surrounding Owoade’s release have not been fully disclosed, security experts say the operation reflects the growing emphasis on intelligence-led policing and coordinated security responses to kidnapping cases in Oyo State.

Residents of Itesiwaju and neighbouring communities have welcomed the headmaster’s release, while renewing calls for increased security patrols along rural roads and farming settlements that have increasingly become targets for armed kidnappers.

The Police Command appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information that would assist security agencies in preventing crime and responding swiftly to security threats across the state.

Authorities assured residents that investigations would continue until every individual connected with the abduction is identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Police rescue abducted Oyo headmaster after coordinated security operation