ICPC
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday arraigned Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-styled Director-General of the non-existent Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), before an Abuja High Court.
Adeyemi faces a 22-count charge bordering on forgery and impersonation.
According to the ICPC, Adeyemi forged a official document, bearing Reference Number SH/COS/209/A/3456 dated on or around March 8, 2024. The document purported to be signed and issued by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, appointing Adeyemi as Director-General of the PFIPC.
The prosecution stated that the defendant presented the forged letter to secure official government recognition and legitimacy to facilitate fraudulent activities.
The offence violates Section 364 of the Penal Code, Cap. 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990.
During the proceedings, prosecuting counsel Bardi requested the court to fix a trial date to enable the ICPC to open its case against the defendant.
Defense counsel Ibrahim Angulu (SAN) made an oral application for bail. However, the presiding judge, Justice Halilu Yusuf, directed the defense counsel to submit a formal written bail application instead.
While agreeing to the judge’s directive, Angulu informed the court that his client had already spent 155 days in detention and was suffering from health issues. He noted that he held a medical report from the police clinic where Adeyemi had been receiving treatment while in custody.
Justice Halilu adjourned the matter to November 9 for the commencement of trial and the hearing of the defendant’s formal bail application.
