Adeniyi Adeyemi Faces Charges Over Alleged Fictitious Government Agency

 Nigerian prosecutors have charged Adeniyi Adeyemi with forgery and impersonation over allegations that he created and operated a fictitious government agency known as the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

 According to prosecutors, Adeyemi allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of PFIPC from 2024, despite the Presidency maintaining that the agency was neither established nor authorised by the Federal Government.

 The allegations include the use of purported government documents and an appointment letter bearing the names of President Bola Tinubu and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Prosecutors also allege that documents associated with PFIPC were used to seek government office space, staff deployments and cooperation from public institutions.

 The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) separately reported that its investigation found no valid legal instrument establishing PFIPC and that Adeyemi was not appointed by the Federal Government or any government authority. The commission said it had recommended his prosecution for alleged forgery, impersonation and related offences.

 The ICPC also reported that two additional purported agencies were allegedly created using forged legislative documents. The commission said investigations were continuing to identify other individuals who may have participated in or facilitated the alleged activities.

 Adeyemi has denied wrongdoing and maintained that PFIPC was a legitimate entity. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

 The case remains before the court, and the allegations have not been finally determined.

 Compliance Considerations

 The case highlights risks associated with government impersonation, fraudulent documentation, inadequate verification and counterparty due diligence.

 Organisations dealing with purported government agencies should independently verify the entity’s legal status, statutory mandate, registration details and authorised representatives before entering into financial, contractual or institutional relationships.

 Particular attention should be given to documents purporting to originate from government offices, including appointment letters, official correspondence, legislative instruments and requests for access to government facilities or resources.

 Where an entity claims government affiliation or authority that cannot be independently verified, enhanced due diligence and appropriate escalation should be considered.