. How Adeyemi frustrated DSS operatives from locating his hideout
. After one week, IGP IRT team moved in, tracked him down to Osun
Self-acclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, Adeniyi Adeyemi, was on Tuesday arrested by police operatives in Osun State, a few hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
Adeniyi was arrested in his hideout in Osun by the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team from Abuja.
It was learnt that before his arrest, a team from the Department of State Services had trailed him for more than one week.
Adeyemi, it was further learnt, switched off his mobile phones for about two days, making it difficult for the security agencies to ascertain his location.
Apparently frustrated by the ‘fake’ agency boss’ antics, the DSS team later retreated, while members of the police Intelligence Response Team led by CSP Moses Lohor, moved into Osun State and continued to trail Adeyemi.
It was gathered that the head of the IGP IRT team, Lohor had once served as the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for the Osun State Police Command and had been involved in high-profile security operations, some of which turned out to be controversial.
Lohor is seen by many residents of Osun State as one of the key security officers who contributed significantly to the peace and stability that prevailed in Ilesa and other parts of the state during his tenure. However, following his transfer, members of the public became apprehensive of the security situation in the state and the impact of his redeployment.
A security source, who pleaded anonymity, said the fugitive fake agency DG, Adeyemi was arrested by the IRT team on Tuesday morning and thereafter informed Osun State Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Gotan.
It was further learnt that the IRT team actually arrested Adeyemi in his Osun State hideout on Tuesday morning and immediately moved him to Abuja. Sources said he was first moved to Ibadan from where he was taken to Abuja.
A video of the arrest showed Adeyemi dressed in a light blue traditional outfit while surrounded by security operatives.
The ‘fake’ agency DG, in the footage, appeared serious and visibly concerned as he responded to questions from officers.
When asked to identify himself, Adeyemi initially declined to respond directly.
“I’ve mentioned it, sir,” he said.
But the officers insisted that he should state his name again.
“Mention it for us, please. What is your name? What is your name?” one of the officers asked.
Adeyemi replied, “I’ve said it several times.”
The ‘fake’ agency boss’ arrest came hours after Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered his arrest following his failure to appear for arraignment over alleged conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.
The judge granted an oral application by the prosecution after Adeyemi failed to appear in court to take his plea on an eight-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force.
The prosecution alleged that Adeyemi operated the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has maintained does not exist.
Ruling on the prosecution’s application, Justice Umar dismissed arguments by Adeyemi’s lawyer that his client stayed away because he feared for his life.
According to the court, the defendant would be compelled to appear and face trial.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until September 30, 2026, for arraignment.
Adeyemi’s arrest comes barely a day after he publicly denied reports that he was evading security agencies.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, he had insisted he was not hiding.
Adeyemi said, “I’m ready to show my face. I’m not hiding. I’m only fearing for my life because I have it on good authority that my life is in danger.
“There have been several attempts on my life.”
He also repeated his allegation that he paid ₦400 million through an intermediary to secure his appointment as Director-General of the disputed council and called for an independent investigation into the controversy.
The police had accused Adeyemi of forging several official documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter allegedly signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as other government documents used to present the council as a legitimate federal agency.
Investigators also alleged that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the council and operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja.
If convicted on the forgery-related charges, he faces up to 21 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine, while the impersonation charge carries a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment or a fine.
