A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of self-acclaimed Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council Director-General, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, after he failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment on allegations of conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.

Justice Mohammed Umar granted the prosecution’s oral application for a bench warrant on Tuesday after Adeyemi was absent when the case was called.

According to Punch, Adeyemi was expected to take his plea on an eight-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force over his alleged involvement in operating the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has maintained does not exist.

During proceedings, Adeyemi’s lawyer, Genesis Francis, told the court that his client feared for his life and had written to President Bola Tinubu, adding that he wanted to remain alive to face trial. Justice Umar responded that “the court will help him be alive” before ordering his arrest. The case was adjourned until September 30, 2026, for arraignment.

The charges, filed on November 27, 2025, also name two other suspects identified as Femi and Anu, who remain at large. Prosecutors allege the defendants forged several government documents, including a presidential appointment letter, State House letterheads and approvals relating to the establishment of the alleged council.

The police further accused Adeyemi of falsely presenting himself as the Director-General of the purported agency and operating from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja.

If convicted, Adeyemi could face up to 21 years’ imprisonment on the forgery charges, while the impersonation charge carries a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment or a fine.

The court appearance came a day after Adeyemi told Channels Television that he was not hiding from security agencies but feared for his safety, alleging there had been several attempts on his life.

He also repeated claims that he paid ₦400 million through an intermediary to secure the disputed appointment and said lenders had petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the transaction.

Police investigations reportedly began after the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President petitioned the Inspector-General of Police in October 2025 over forged appointment letters allegedly issued in the Presidency’s name.

Despite the allegations, Adeyemi continues to insist the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council exists and has called for an independent panel to investigate the controversy, including the agency’s reported ₦1.3 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act.