FG Withdraws Charges Against Adeyemi, Files Fresh Case Over Alleged Fake Agency

The Federal Government has withdrawn an eight-count criminal charge against Adeniyi Adeyemi over allegations of forgery and impersonation in connection with a purported government agency, filing fresh charges against him at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

The Federal High Court in Abuja struck out the existing charge on Monday, October 12, following an application by the prosecution, which said a review of the case had revealed legal issues requiring the matter to be pursued before another court.

The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, informed Justice Mohammed Umar that the Attorney-General of the Federation had reviewed the case file and the charge initially filed by the Inspector-General of Police.

According to the prosecution, some of the documents allegedly forged in connection with the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) fell within the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court rather than the Federal High Court.

Oyedepo consequently asked the court to strike out the existing charge to allow the government to proceed with the fresh case.

Counsel to Adeyemi, Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, did not oppose the application, after which Justice Umar struck out the eight-count charge.

The prosecution said Adeyemi would be arraigned afresh before the FCT High Court, where the government intends to pursue the allegations.

Adeyemi is accused of presenting himself as the director-general of the purported PFIPC and allegedly using forged documents to conduct activities in the name of the Federal Government.

The earlier eight-count charge included allegations of conspiracy, forgery and impersonation. The prosecution alleged that documents purportedly issued by the Presidency were used to seek official recognition and other government-related privileges.

According to a September 30 report by Reuters, the allegations included claims that the purported council obtained office space at the Federal Secretariat and secured a budget allocation of approximately $1 million for 2026.

Reuters also reported that the Presidency had said it neither established nor authorised Adeyemi to lead the council.

However, the allegations remain subject to proof in court.

The development follows Adeyemi’s arraignment before the Federal High Court on September 30, when he pleaded not guilty to the eight-count charge.

Justice Umar subsequently ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

Reuters reported that Adeyemi had denied wrongdoing in interviews with local media, maintaining that the council was genuine and that he had personally approached budget officials to secure its inclusion in government spending plans.

The latest decision to strike out the existing charge followed the prosecution’s review of the case and its decision to proceed before the FCT High Court.

The fresh prosecution is expected to determine the allegations against Adeyemi, subject to his arraignment and the subsequent proceedings before the appropriate court.