A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, be remanded in Kuje prison pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.
Justice Mohammed Umar issued the order on Wednesday after Adeyemi pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge involving alleged conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.
The charges were filed by the Federal Government following his arrest in Osogbo, Osun State. Two other individuals named in the case, identified as Femi and Anu, are currently at large.
Prosecutors alleged that Adeyemi and the other suspects forged official documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter, State House letterheads and documents relating to the establishment of the alleged council.
He was also accused of presenting himself as the Director-General of the organisation, an offence punishable under the Penal Code.
The police said investigations uncovered correspondence between the purported council and several government institutions. Investigators also reportedly traced 34 bank accounts linked to Adeyemi, including nine allegedly opened in the names of purported government agencies.
Adeyemi has denied the allegations.
His arraignment had previously been delayed on several occasions, including because of requests from his lawyers, his absence from court and the judge’s official engagements.
The court had earlier issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear for a scheduled arraignment. He was subsequently arrested by the police after investigators traced him to a hideout in Osun State.
His lawyer had told the court that Adeyemi stayed away because he feared for his life and had written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu raising concerns about his safety.
Adeyemi will remain in custody pending the determination of his bail application.
