Court strikes out charge against alleged ‘fake’ PFIPC DG Adeyemi

ABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out the eight-count forgery charge against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who was accused of parading himself as Director-General of the alleged non-existent Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Justice Mohammed Umar terminated further proceedings on Monday following an application by the Federal Government to withdraw the charge.

The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation had reviewed the case file and identified legal issues that informed the decision to discontinue the proceedings.

The prosecution disclosed that the government planned to initiate fresh proceedings against Adeyemi at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, arguing that the alleged forgery offences could be prosecuted by that court.

Defence counsel, Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, did not oppose the application, paving the way for the charge to be struck out.

Adeyemi had been in detention since July 14, following his arrest on the strength of a bench warrant issued by the court. He was subsequently arraigned on allegations bordering on forgery, fraud and impersonation, pleaded not guilty and was remanded at Kuje Prison.

His bail application, which cited a contagious ailment requiring medical attention, had yet to be heard before the withdrawal of the charge halted the scheduled proceedings.

The prosecution had opposed bail, insisting that government facilities were available to address his medical needs.

Among those earlier listed as potential prosecution witnesses were the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and several other individuals, including civil servants from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

However, the striking out of the charge does not amount to a conviction or a determination of Adeyemi’s guilt. The Federal Government has indicated its intention to pursue fresh proceedings before the FCT High Court.