The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of Adeniyi Adeyemi after he failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment over allegations bordering on forgery, conspiracy and impersonation linked to a purported government agency known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Justice Mohammed Umar issued a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest on Tuesday after rejecting the reasons advanced by his legal team for his absence in court.
The ruling came following an oral application by the prosecution, which urged the court to compel Adeyemi’s appearance after repeated delays in the criminal proceedings.
Court rejects absence excuse
During the hearing, defence counsel informed the court that Adeyemi stayed away because he feared for his life.
The lawyer further disclosed that his client had written to President Bola Tinubu over his security concerns and wanted to remain alive to defend himself during trial.
Justice Umar, however, dismissed the explanation, stating that the court was capable of guaranteeing the defendant’s safety throughout the legal process.
The judge subsequently granted the prosecution’s request and issued a bench warrant for Adeyemi’s arrest before adjourning the matter until September 30 for arraignment.
Forgery and impersonation allegations
Adeyemi is facing an eight-count charge instituted by the Nigeria Police Force over the alleged establishment and operation of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has repeatedly stated is not a recognised government agency.
The charges include conspiracy, forgery and impersonation, with prosecutors alleging that Adeyemi acted alongside two other suspects identified simply as Femi and Anu, who are currently at large.
Investigators accused the defendants of producing and using forged official documents to create the impression that the council was a legitimate federal institution.
Documents allegedly forged
According to the prosecution, the forged documents include a purported presidential appointment letter, State House letterheads, approval documents for the establishment of the council, requests for staff account approvals, applications for office accommodation and correspondence seeking collaboration with a federal ministry.
The prosecution argued that the documents were intended to give credibility to the alleged fake agency and mislead members of the public.
In one of the charges, Adeyemi was also accused of falsely presenting himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC, an offence punishable under the Penal Code.
Possible prison terms
If convicted, Adeyemi faces lengthy prison sentences under the relevant provisions of Nigerian law.
The forgery-related offences attract prison terms that could total up to 21 years without the option of a fine, while the impersonation charge carries a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment or a fine.
The case has witnessed several adjournments in recent months due to the defendant’s repeated absence from court.
With the issuance of the bench warrant, law enforcement authorities are expected to arrest Adeyemi and produce him before the court when proceedings resume on September 30.