Nigerian Fake Agency Boss Captured After Weeks on the Run

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:45:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Nigerian president's fake agency boss Adeniyi Adeyemi captured after weeks of evasion, sparking calls for inquiry.

Adeniyi Adeyemi, who positioned himself as director‑general of a fictitious Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), was arrested by police in Osun State after a court warrant issued by Abuja’s Federal High Court. Weeks of secrecy ended when forensic evidence exposed forged presidential appointment documents. The scandal has intensified demands from civil society, opposition leaders and senior lawyers for an independent investigation into the use of state resources in the scheme. Adeyemi has denied wrongdoing but warned that his life is at risk if he appears in court. Nigerian authorities say the fake agency never received public funds or performed any legitimate function.

Nigerian Fake Agency Boss Captured After Weeks on the Run

Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who had been running from police for weeks, was detained in Osun State after authorities seized him on a warrant issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court had ordered his appearance to face charges of forgery and impersonation, but he avoided the hearing, prompting the arrest.

Adeyemi had declared himself the director‑general of the so‑called Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), a body that was later proven to be a fabrication. A forensic analysis revealed that the presidential appointment letter bearing the signature of the president’s chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, had been forged.

The scandal erupted when President Bola Tinubu launched an investigation into the PFIPC last week, following allegations that the agency was used to siphon public money for private gain. The council was even listed in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a budget of 1.3 bn naira ($950,000; £700,000).

Despite this, the Accountant‑General’s office confirmed that the PFIPC never opened a bank account with the Central Bank of Nigeria and did not receive any public funds or salaries. The case now faces scrutiny from civil society groups, opposition politicians and senior legal professionals who are demanding an independent inquiry.

Adeyemi has maintained his innocence, stating that his life is in danger and that he intends to appear in court to clear his name. However, he was absent when the hearing was held, and his lawyer, Genesis Francis, cited safety concerns as the reason for his non‑attendance.

Police officials confirmed that Force Intelligence Department and Intelligence Response Team operatives participated in the arrest, and Adeyemi will likely be transported to the police headquarters in Abuja for further questioning. The incident underscores the challenges of corruption and governance in Nigeria.