PFIPC scandal: FG seeks fresh arraignment of Adeyemi as court strikes out eight-count charge

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be the Director-General of the fictitious Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), received temporary relief on Monday as a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed eight charges of forgery, fraud, and impersonation against him. The charges were brought by the federal government, represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.

Initially, the police filed the case against the self-styled DG, but the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) took over the prosecution after reviewing the case file and identifying loopholes. The AGF decided to withdraw the charges and suggested that the matter be moved to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for a fresh arraignment.

The defendant's legal team did not oppose the withdrawal of the charges. Adeyemi, who has been in detention since July 14, claimed to be ill and requested bail, but his application was opposed by the prosecution, who argued that the government was capable of providing adequate medical care. The scheduled hearing for the bail application was cancelled due to the withdrawal of the charges.

Potential witnesses in the case include the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and various civil servants, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police.