Alleged Impersonation: Abuja Court Clears Way For Adeniyi Adeyemi’s Fresh Arraignment

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out an eight-count criminal charge filed by the Federal Government against Adeniyi Adeyemi, who was accused of impersonating the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The decision followed an application by the prosecution to withdraw the existing charge after a review identified issues concerning the appropriate court to handle the alleged offences.

According to Bush Radio Academy, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice had reviewed the case file alongside the charge initially filed by the Inspector-General of Police.

Oyedepo explained that the review revealed jurisdictional concerns, particularly regarding allegations of forgery involving documents allegedly used by Adeyemi while operating the purported agency. He said the alleged offences fell within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory rather than the Federal High Court.

The prosecution subsequently asked Justice Mohammed Umar to strike out the existing charge, informing the court that a fresh case had already been filed before the FCT High Court.

Oyedepo also indicated that Adeyemi would be arraigned afresh before the appropriate court. Defence counsel, Ibrahim Angulu (SAN), did not oppose the prosecution’s application.

Justice Umar granted the request and struck out the eight-count charge, paving the way for the matter to proceed through fresh proceedings at the FCT High Court.

Adeyemi had been accused of conspiracy and forgery alongside two other individuals whose whereabouts were reportedly unknown.

The latest ruling concerns the withdrawal and striking out of the existing charge on jurisdictional grounds. It does not amount to a determination of Adeyemi’s guilt or innocence regarding the allegations, which are expected to be addressed in the fresh proceedings.