A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Adeniyi Adeyemi, the embattled Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), after he failed to appear in court for his arraignment.
Justice Mohammed Umar made the order on Tuesday following an application by the prosecution, which informed the court that the defendant was absent despite being scheduled to take his plea.
The Nigeria Police Force has filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi, accusing him of conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and other related offences arising from his alleged activities as head of the controversial agency.
The prosecution told the court that Adeyemi’s absence had stalled the arraignment and urged the judge to compel his appearance through a warrant of arrest.
After listening to the application, Justice Umar granted the request and directed security agencies to arrest the defendant and produce him before the court to face the charges.
The criminal case forms part of the Federal Government’s investigation into the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, which authorities insist is not a legally recognised government agency.
Investigators alleged that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the organisation and unlawfully used forged government documents and official titles in the course of its operations.
The controversy has attracted national attention in recent weeks, prompting investigations by law enforcement agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), into the activities of the alleged agency.
The court adjourned the matter pending the execution of the arrest warrant and the defendant’s appearance before the court to enter his plea.