A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-acclaimed Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, after he failed to appear for arraignment over charges bordering on conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.

Justice Mohammed Umar issued a bench warrant on Tuesday following an application by the prosecution after Adeyemi was absent when the matter was called.

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The Court ruling followed months of delays in the case, which involves allegations that Adeyemi operated a government agency that the Presidency has said does not exist.

Adeyemi was scheduled to take his plea on an eight-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force in relation to his alleged activities involving the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.

When the prosecution, led by Wisdom Madaki, requested a bench warrant, Adeyemi’s lawyer, Genesis Francis, told the court that his client was concerned about his safety and had written to President Bola Tinubu over alleged threats to his life.

According to the defence counsel, Adeyemi wanted to remain alive to face the trial.

Responding to the submission, Justice Umar said, “The court will help him be alive,” before granting the prosecution’s request for an arrest warrant.

The judge adjourned the matter until September 30, 2026, for arraignment.

The Federal Government filed the charges on November 27, 2025, accusing Adeyemi and two other suspects, identified as Femi and Anu, who are currently said to be at large, of conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly forged documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter, State House letterheads, approval documents and correspondence relating to the establishment and operation of the disputed council.

The police also alleged that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the organisation, an act they said amounted to impersonation under the Penal Code.

If convicted on the forgery-related charges, Adeyemi could face up to 21 years imprisonment without the option of a fine, while the impersonation charge carries a possible maximum sentence of three years imprisonment or a fine.

Before his court absence, Adeyemi had denied claims that he was avoiding security agencies. In an interview with Channels Television, he said he was not hiding but feared for his safety.

“I’m ready to show my face. I’m not hiding. I’m only fearing for my life because I have it on good authority that my life is in danger,” he said.

Adeyemi also maintained his claim that the disputed council existed and alleged that he paid ₦400 million through an intermediary to secure his appointment as Director-General. He said individuals who lent him money had reported the transaction to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The police investigation reportedly began after the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over alleged forged appointment documents linked to the purported agency.

Investigators alleged that the documents contained fake signatures, reference numbers, official seals and the Nigerian Coat of Arms, creating the impression that the council was an official Federal Government institution.

Adeyemi has continued to reject the allegations, calling for an independent investigation into the controversy and offering to provide documents he says support his claims.