PFIPC: ICPC ARRAIGNS ADEYEMI OVER ALLEGED FORGERY, IMPERSONATION

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly falsely presented himself as the director-general of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

Adeyemi is facing a 22-count charge bordering on alleged forgery and impersonation.

The ICPC alleged that on or about March 8, 2024, in Abuja, the defendant forged a letter with reference number SH/COS/209/A/3456, purportedly signed or issued by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, appointing him as the PFIPC director-general.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offence is punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code, Cap. 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990.

The commission further alleged that Adeyemi presented the forged document to obtain government recognition and legitimacy to facilitate his alleged fraudulent activities.

Counsel for the ICPC, Fatima Bardi, urged the court to fix a date for the prosecution to open its case against the defendant.

In response, Adeyemi’s counsel, Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, made an oral application for his client’s bail.

However, the presiding judge, Justice Halilu Yusuf, directed the defence counsel to file a written bail application.

Angulu agreed to the directive but told the court that his client had spent 155 days in detention and was experiencing health concerns.

He added that he had a medical report from the police clinic where Adeyemi had been receiving treatment.

Justice Yusuf subsequently adjourned the case until November 9 for trial and possible hearing of the defendant’s bail application.