PFIPC: ICPC increases charges against Adeyemi from 22 to 36, joins four others – The Witness Nigeria

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has increased the charges against Adeniyi Adeyemi, head of the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), from 22 to 36 in the ongoing forgery and impersonation case.

The anti-corruption agency also joined additional four civil servants as defendants in the suit.

The additional defendants are Patricia Akhigbe, Florence Omameh, Aminu Abdullahi and Ogaba Harry. They are reportedly attached to the offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

At Monday’s proceedings before the FCT High Court, ICPC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir told the court that the commission had filed an amended charge.

The case was initially scheduled for the hearing of Adeyemi’s bail application. However, the arraignment of the five defendants could not proceed because Omameh was absent on health grounds.

Tahir told the court that the other defendants were present and requested a short adjournment to allow her to appear.

Justice Halilu Yusuf granted the request and fixed November 18 for arraignment.

Adeyemi was initially arraigned in October on a 22-count charge bordering on alleged forgery and impersonation. That case followed the dismissal of an earlier eight-count charge by the Federal High Court in Abuja on October 12, after the Federal Government applied to discontinue the proceedings following a review by the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Justice Mohammed Umar subsequently struck out the charges. Adeyemi had earlier pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned on September 30.

The controversy surrounding Adeyemi centres on the purported PFIPC, which allegedly operated as a government institution despite having no legal backing or presidential approval.

The organisation reportedly occupied an office at the Federal Secretariat, recruited staff and received an allocation in the 2026 national budget.

Adeyemi had also alleged that Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, received N400 million through a proxy in connection with his appointment letter. The allegation has not been established in court.

The defendants will be arraigned on November 18.