‘I Have a Valid Appointment Letter,’ Adeyemi Tells Nigerians
Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who is standing trial over allegations of conspiracy, forgery and impersonation, has insisted that his appointment as Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and Presidential Economic Advisory Council was genuine.
Speaking during a telephone interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Adeyemi maintained that the matter was already before a competent court and expressed confidence that he would be vindicated.
Responding to questions about whether he was evading justice, Adeyemi said he was prepared to face trial.
“If I am wrong, let the court of law do that; if I am right, let the court of law do the right thing. Since the matter is in court, let the court of competent jurisdiction vindicate me because I am ready to clear my name,” he said.
Adeyemi disclosed that he possesses a letter of appointment but declined to comment further on its contents because the matter is sub judice. He also revealed that he is currently receiving medical treatment.
“I have a letter of appointment. However, since the matter is in court, I won’t be able to say much about it. I am on medication. I am a bit down; I am sick,” he stated.
When asked whether he considered himself a criminal, Adeyemi replied in the negative, saying the court would ultimately determine the case.
Addressing allegations that the agency did not exist, Adeyemi argued that no individual would have the confidence to openly interact with top government officials over several years if the organisation were entirely fictitious.
“For one second, let us assume the agency does not exist. Would I have the audacity to go all over the country, meeting heads of ministries, departments and agencies? No Nigerian would dare do that. I could not have been doing that for almost three years if everything was fabricated,” he said.
The Presidency, however, on Wednesday dismissed Adeyemi’s claims, describing him as an impostor facing criminal prosecution over alleged forgery and impersonation.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said police investigations revealed that Adeyemi allegedly forged a presidential appointment letter purportedly signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, operated a non-existent government agency and maintained 34 bank accounts, including nine allegedly opened in the names of fictitious government bodies.
According to the Presidency, Adeyemi was arrested on October 27, 2025, following a petition by Gbajabiamila to security agencies over what was described as an elaborate forgery and impersonation scheme.
The Nigeria Police subsequently filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi and two other defendants before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.
The Presidency further stated that both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission had earlier raised concerns over the activities of the purported agency before police investigations commenced.
The case has been adjourned until July 27, 2026, for further proceedings.
The controversy followed allegations by Adeyemi that the Chief of Staff demanded ₦27.4 billion, representing 48 per cent of the agency’s proposed take-off grant, and that ₦400 million was allegedly paid through a proxy to facilitate his appointment, with an outstanding balance of ₦200 million. The Presidency has rejected the allegations.
Adeyemi has also called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel to examine the dispute, review official documents relating to the agencies in question and make its findings public. He further urged the Chief of Staff to step aside pending the outcome of such an investigation.
