A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-acclaimed Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), after he failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment.

Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Adeyemi's arrest on Monday following an oral application by prosecuting counsel, who informed the court that the defendant had repeatedly failed to appear before the court.

Although a lawyer, Genesis Francis, announced his appearance, the court held that Adeyemi's personal presence was required before he could be arraigned.

Adeyemi was billed to take his plea on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation in connection with the PFIPC, which the Federal Government has described as a fictitious agency.

The charges followed investigations by the Nigeria Police Force after the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, petitioned security agencies over the alleged forgery of his signature and appointment documents purportedly used by Adeyemi to present himself as the head of the council.

According to the Presidency, investigations revealed that Adeyemi allegedly forged official documents, falsely presented himself as a presidential appointee, secured diplomatic support for visa applications under false pretences and fraudulently opened bank accounts in the name of the purported council.

Police also alleged that documents recovered during searches of his office and residence linked him to several bank accounts opened in the names of alleged government entities.

The PFIPC controversy came to public attention after the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission raised concerns over the activities of an organisation operating under a similar name, prompting investigations by security agencies.

The Presidency has maintained that the PFIPC was never established by law or executive approval and does not exist as a government agency.

Adeyemi's failure to appear in court, Justice Umar granted the prosecution's application for a bench warrant and adjourned the case until September 30, 2026, when the defendant is expected to be produced before the court for arraignment.