Fake Agency Probe: Adeyemi Rejects Closed-Door Reps Hearing

Embattled self-acclaimed agency chief insists lawmakers should conduct proceedings openly as House investigation deepens

ABUJA

The controversy surrounding the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) took another turn on Thursday after embattled self-acclaimed Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, reportedly rejected a proposal for a closed-door hearing before the House of Representatives committee investigating the agency.

ValidViewNetwork reports that Adeyemi, who is facing multiple allegations including impersonation, forgery and conspiracy, insisted that any engagement with lawmakers should be conducted in the open, arguing that the matter has become one of significant public interest.

Probe Enters New Phase

The House of Representatives has been investigating how the controversial council allegedly operated within government circles despite not being legally established.

The committee is also examining how the organisation reportedly secured office accommodation at the Federal Secretariat and appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a budgetary allocation estimated at ₦1.32 billion.

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Adeyemi Under Criminal Charges

ValidViewNetwork reports that Adeyemi is currently facing criminal charges filed by the Nigeria Police following investigations into allegations that he presented himself as the Director-General of a non-existent federal agency.

According to the Presidency, the Office of the Chief of Staff had earlier alerted security agencies after discovering forged appointment letters allegedly issued in the name of the Presidency.

Investigators subsequently filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi and two others bordering on conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.

Lawmakers Intensify Investigation

The House committee recently directed the Inspector-General of Police to produce Adeyemi before lawmakers to aid the ongoing investigation into the operations of the controversial organisation.

However, police authorities informed the committee that the suspect remained in lawful custody under an existing Federal High Court order, preventing his appearance before lawmakers without further judicial authorisation.

Presidency Distances Itself

The Presidency has consistently maintained that the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council is not a recognised government institution.

A statement issued by the Office of the Chief of Staff described Adeyemi as an impostor and urged the public to allow the judicial process to determine the allegations against him.

The House investigation is expected to continue as lawmakers seek to determine how the alleged agency operated within government institutions and whether public officials facilitated its activities.