Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-proclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), has been arrested by security operatives shortly after the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest over alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation.

Justice Mohammed Umar on Tuesday ordered Adeyemi's arrest after he failed to appear in court for his scheduled arraignment on an eight-count criminal charge, despite being represented by his counsel.

The order followed an oral application by police counsel, Wisdom Madaki, who informed the court that the defendant had repeatedly failed to appear for trial, thereby frustrating the prosecution of the case.

Madaki told the court that Tuesday's sitting was the fifth scheduled hearing in the matter, noting that all previous adjournments had been granted at the instance of the defendant. Relying on Section 394 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), he urged the court to compel Adeyemi's appearance through a bench warrant.

Although defence counsel, Genesis Francis, opposed the application, arguing that his client had stayed away from court because of credible threats to his life, Justice Umar held that Adeyemi had appeared only once since the charges were filed on November 27, 2025, and had failed to honour four consecutive court dates.

The judge consequently directed security agencies to arrest the defendant and produce him before the court for arraignment.

Adeyemi is facing charges bordering on the alleged forgery of official documents, fraud and impersonation in connection with the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, which investigators say has no legal backing.

Police investigations commenced after the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over alleged forged appointment letters purportedly issued from the Chief of Staff's office.

Investigators alleged that the forged documents bore fake signatures, official seals, reference numbers and the Nigerian Coat of Arms, and were used to create the impression that the PFIPC was a legitimate Federal Government agency.

Adeyemi is also accused of falsely presenting himself as the Director-General of the council, operating from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, and issuing appointment letters into the purported agency.

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, police investigators and other witnesses connected with the case.

Before his arrest, Adeyemi had maintained during a television interview that he was not in hiding but had withdrawn from public view because of alleged threats to his life. He also insisted that the PFIPC was not a fictitious organisation and called for an independent investigation into the controversy, saying he was prepared to present documentary evidence in his defence.