Court Re-Arraigns Adeniyi Adeyemi for Alleged N30 Billion Fraud and Forgery

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has brought new charges against Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of a non-existent government body. The re-arraignment took place at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, where Adeyemi pleaded not guilty to all 22 counts related to forgery and fraud involving about N30.8 billion.

Prosecutors allege that Adeyemi created fake government documents to make the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council seem real. This allowed him to seek government recognition and access public funds. The charges include claims that he requested over N27 billion as a start-up grant and an additional N3.8 billion for staff costs.

One specific charge states that Adeyemi forged a letter dated March 8, 2024, claiming he was appointed to lead the council. Prosecutors say this document was designed to look real so he could use government office facilities. Another accusation involves a forged letter to the Accountant-General of the Federation, which was meant to allow the fake council to operate within the government’s financial system.

Adeyemi is also accused of bribing officials to secure office space and vehicles. He allegedly offered N210,000 to an assistant in the government and N300,000 to another official for the release of two government cars. Additionally, he is said to have obtained N20 million from a company under the false pretense of a loan for a project that never existed.

The alleged crimes occurred between 2024 and 2026. The prosecution claims these actions violate several laws, including those against fraud and corruption. Following Adeyemi’s plea, the prosecution requested a trial date to present their case.

Defense attorney Ibrahim Angulu argued for bail, citing Adeyemi’s long detention and health issues. The trial judge, Justice Halilu Yusuf, instructed the defense to submit a formal bail request and postponed the case until November 9 for trial and bail hearing. This re-arraignment comes after earlier charges were withdrawn for amendments.

President Bola Tinubu had previously ordered an investigation into the activities of the alleged council, which the government confirmed was never officially established. The investigation aims to uncover the use of forged documents and the movement of funds linked to Adeyemi.