From Marcus Nkire
Adeniyi Adeyemi, the man accused by the presidency of impersonating a government official and operating a non-existent federal agency, has denied any wrongdoing, insisting the allegations against him are politically motivated.
Speaking while in hiding on Thursday, Adeyemi said the actions taken against him by the federal government were aimed at silencing him rather than seeking justice.
According to him, the organisation he claims to head was established in 2024, contrary to the presidency’s position that no such agency exists.
Although he agreed to speak briefly, Adeyemi declined to disclose his location, saying he no longer felt safe. He also refused to provide any documents to support his claim of appointment or respond to detailed questions, explaining that his lawyers had advised him against making further public comments while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Adeyemi said he had gone into hiding because he believed his life was under threat but did not reveal whether he remained in Nigeria.
His comments come a day after the presidency accused him of forging appointment letters and falsely presenting himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), agencies the government maintains were never created.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Adeyemi and two others are facing an eight-count charge before the Federal High Court over the alleged offences. The case, filed on November 27, 2025, is scheduled for hearing on July 27.
According to the presidency, the matter came to light after the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) raised concerns over another body allegedly carrying out responsibilities similar to those assigned to the commission.
The presidency said the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, subsequently petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force in October 2025, requesting an investigation into Adeyemi and his associates.
Investigators allege that forged appointment letters bearing fake signatures, official seals and reference numbers from the Office of the Chief of Staff were used to create the impression that the accused had been appointed to legitimate government positions.
The presidency further alleged that Adeyemi operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, held meetings with local and foreign officials, and sought diplomatic assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate United States visa applications for individuals presented as staff members of the organisation.
Officials also claimed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised concerns after Adeyemi reportedly convened a meeting with ambassadors in Abuja without following established diplomatic procedures.
Following investigations, police allegedly recovered documents described as forged government records during searches conducted at Adeyemi’s office in Abuja and his residence in Suleja.
The presidency also claimed investigators uncovered 34 bank accounts linked to Adeyemi, including accounts opened in the names of purported government agencies. It further alleged that forged documents were used in an attempt to open an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria, although investigators said no public funds were deposited into the account.
Authorities further stated that Adeyemi told investigators an individual identified as Dolapo Tanimola assisted him in obtaining the appointment letter. However, police reportedly discovered that the individual had died in a hotel fire shortly before Adeyemi’s arrest.
The Office of the Chief of Staff has maintained that neither the PFIPC nor the PEAC exists under the current administration and insisted that no appointment was ever issued to Adeyemi.
The presidency also dismissed allegations made by Adeyemi after he was granted police bail, in which he reportedly accused Gbajabiamila of demanding ₦400 million through a proxy.
