The Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to commence proceedings on Tuesday in the case involving Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, the man accused of presenting himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Adeyemi and two other defendants are to be arraigned by the Nigeria Police Force on an eight-count charge relating to allegations of forgery, impersonation and other offences arising from investigations into the activities of the purported organisation.
The matter was earlier adjourned after the first defendant was reported to be ill and unable to appear before the court. Tuesday’s sitting is expected to enable the defendants to formally enter their pleas.
The case attracted national attention following claims that the PFIPC operated as though it were a legitimate government institution despite the Presidency’s position that no such agency exists within the Federal Government.
Investigators allege that forged documents were used to support claims that the organisation had official government backing and that appointments were issued in the name of the Presidency. The prosecution is also expected to rely on documentary evidence and testimonies from key government officials during the trial.
Among the witnesses listed by the prosecution are the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and officials from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, who are expected to testify on issues relating to the investigation.
The Federal Government has maintained that the alleged organisation was never established through any lawful process and has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that those found culpable face the full weight of the law.
President Bola Tinubu had previously directed relevant investigative agencies to examine the circumstances surrounding the operations of the purported council as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in public institutions.
The outcome of Tuesday’s proceedings is expected to determine the next phase of the criminal trial.
The allegations against the defendants have not been determined by the court, and they remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in accordance with the law.
