The self-styled Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, Adeniyi Adeyemi, has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre after a Federal High Court in Abuja fixed 12 October for his bail hearing.
Justice Mohammed Umar on Wednesday ordered Adeyemi’s remand after he pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.
At the start of the proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that the Office of the Attorney-General was taking over the prosecution from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Mr Oyedepo told the judge that the Attorney-General intended to review the case file but urged the court to proceed with the existing eight-count charge.
According to the charge sheet, Adeyemi is accused of forging a presidential appointment letter purportedly signed by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and dated around March 2024, as well as other official documents including State House letterheads.
The prosecution further alleges that Adeyemi falsely posed as a government appointee and operated from an office in the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja.
The accused denied any wrongdoing on all counts. The prosecution nevertheless urged the court to order his remand, citing his earlier failure to appear for arraignment, which had prompted the court to issue a bench warrant for his arrest.
Adeyemi’s lawyer, Genesis Francis, informed Justice Umar that his client has a contagious health condition and a medical appointment is scheduled for Friday.
All attempts by the defence counsel to secure bail were unsuccessful, as the judge insisted on fixing another date to hear the application and deliver a ruling.
Lead prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, urged the court to hear and determine the case speedily. He also assured the defence that both the police and prison authorities have qualified medical personnel to attend to the defendant’s medical needs while in custody.
The matter was adjourned to 12 October for hearing and ruling on the bail application and the commencement of trial.
