The Federal Government has arraigned Adeniyi Adeyemi before the Federal High Court in Abuja over an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery and impersonation.

Adeyemi is accused of presenting himself as the director-general of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), an organisation the presidency has described as fictitious.

He was brought before the court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

During the proceedings, Rotimi Oyedepo, the Director of Public Prosecutions, informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation had directed him to take over the case from the police.

Following the arraignment, the prosecution asked the court to remand Adeyemi in custody pending further proceedings.

However, Adeyemi’s lawyer, Genesis Francis, told the court that his client had already filed a bail application in January.

The case stems from controversy surrounding the purported PFIPC and Adeyemi’s alleged claim to be its director-general. The presidency has previously dismissed the council as fictitious.

Adeyemi had been linked to claims involving the council and his purported position, but the latest proceedings have now formally placed the allegations before the court.

With his not-guilty plea, the prosecution will be required to establish its case against him through evidence and witnesses.

The court is expected to consider the pending bail application and determine whether Adeyemi should remain in custody or be released under specified conditions.

It will also set a date for further proceedings, including the possible commencement of trial.