Police arrest ‘fake PFIPC DG’ Adeyemi in Osun

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have arrested Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who presented himself as the Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), in Osun State.

Adeyemi was taken into custody after weeks of intelligence-driven investigations and a coordinated manhunt linked to allegations surrounding the activities of the purported federal agency.

Confirming the development, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, said the suspect was apprehended without resistance by IRT operatives and has been transferred into police custody for further questioning.

The arrest came after security operatives intensified efforts to locate him. During the search, officers reportedly raided his family residence and questioned some of his relatives as part of the investigation.

The suspect drew national attention following public controversy over the operations of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, an organisation government authorities have repeatedly said has no legal status or official recognition.

Investigators are examining allegations that Adeyemi claimed to have strong connections with senior government officials and allegedly used those claims to create the impression that the organisation had influence within the Presidency.

The case attracted wider public interest after reports emerged that substantial sums of money were allegedly collected from individuals with promises of securing government appointments. Those allegations remain under investigation and have not been established by any court.

The Presidency had previously disowned the PFIPC, while the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, also denied any affiliation with the organisation, insisting neither the Presidency nor the Chief of Staff’s office authorised its operations.

Police investigators are expected to question Adeyemi over the establishment and activities of the group, the authenticity of documents allegedly used by the organisation, and claims that members of the public were led to believe it was an official government agency.

The investigation will also determine whether other individuals played roles in the alleged activities and whether offences such as impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, forgery and conspiracy were committed.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not released a comprehensive statement outlining the circumstances of the arrest or any formal charges against the suspect.

The arrest is expected to deepen investigations into the controversial case involving the alleged use of an unrecognised organisation to portray influence within the Presidency.

Adeyemi is expected to remain in custody while investigations continue ahead of any possible court proceedings.