By Iroyin Yoruba Television
A Nigerian man accused of creating a fictitious federal government agency and presenting himself as its director-general has been charged with forgery and impersonation in Abuja.
The accused, Adeniyi Adeyemi, appeared in court on Wednesday over allegations that he established the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, or PFIPC, despite the Federal Government saying the agency was never created or authorised by the Presidency.
The case has drawn attention because prosecutors allege that the fictitious organisation managed to obtain government office space, secure a budget allocation and approach other public institutions as though it were a legitimate federal agency.
ALLEGED FAKE AGENCY OPERATED INSIDE FEDERAL SECRETARIAT
Prosecutors allege that Adeyemi had represented himself as director-general of the PFIPC since 2024.
According to the allegations presented in court, the purported agency obtained office accommodation inside the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and interacted with government institutions that treated its documents and requests as legitimate.
The prosecution also alleges that the organisation secured approximately $1 million in budget allocation for 2026.
Authorities further allege that attempts were made to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria in the name of the purported agency.
The case has raised questions about the verification procedures used by government institutions when dealing with newly established agencies and officials claiming federal authority.
FORGED DOCUMENTS ALLEGEDLY USED
Prosecutors have accused Adeyemi of producing documents that allegedly falsely represented the PFIPC as an authorised government institution.
Among the documents cited by prosecutors is an appointment letter purportedly issued by President Bola Tinubu and signed by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The prosecution alleges that the documents were used to obtain cooperation from government departments, including requests relating to office space and staff deployment.
The allegations have not been established as facts. Adeyemi pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
ACCUSED DENIES WRONGDOING
Adeyemi has denied the allegations and maintained that the PFIPC was a genuine organisation.
He has also disputed the prosecution's characterization of the agency as fictitious, saying he followed procedures in seeking government recognition and funding.
The court will therefore have to consider the evidence presented by the prosecution alongside the defence's response as the case progresses.
No government official has been accused by prosecutors of conspiring with Adeyemi in the alleged scheme.
COURT REMANDS SUSPECT
Following the proceedings, Adeyemi was remanded in custody pending his next court appearance.
The next hearing has been scheduled for October 12.
The charges include allegations relating to forgery and impersonation, while prosecutors are expected to present evidence concerning the creation and operation of the purported government agency and the documents allegedly used to support its activities.
GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT QUESTIONS
The case has also drawn attention to weaknesses that can emerge when government systems fail to independently verify claims of official authority.
A person claiming to represent a federal agency may potentially gain access to government offices, correspondence channels and administrative processes if different institutions rely on documents without independently confirming their authenticity.
The allegations in this case therefore go beyond the conduct of one individual and raise broader questions about institutional verification, document authentication and controls surrounding public funds.
Effective safeguards require government institutions to confirm that agencies exist legally, that officials have valid appointments and that budgetary allocations correspond to authorised government structures.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The case will now proceed through the courts, where the prosecution will have to establish its allegations and the accused will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence against him.
The October 12 hearing is expected to provide the next significant stage in the proceedings.
Until the court reaches a determination, the allegations against Adeyemi remain allegations, and his plea of not guilty means the prosecution must prove the charges according to law.