The Nigeria Police Force has arrested Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-acclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), in Osun State.

He was arrested hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest over his failure to appear for arraignment.

The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, saying operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) from Abuja apprehended Adeyemi at his hideout in the state.

"Yes, it is confirmed. The Intelligence Response Team from Abuja arrested him here in Osun," Ojelabi said, adding that the suspect was expected to be transferred to Abuja later on Tuesday.

A video of the arrest circulation on social media showed Adeyemi, dressed in a light blue traditional outfit, surrounded by security operatives.

In the footage, he initially declined to identify himself when questioned by officers before eventually responding after repeated requests.

His arrest followed Monday's ruling by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who ordered his arrest after he failed to appear in court to take his plea on an eight-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force.

The judge granted the prosecution's oral application for a bench warrant after dismissing arguments by Adeyemi's lawyer that his client stayed away because he feared for his life.

The court held that the defendant must appear in person to answer the charges and adjourned the case until September 30, 2026, for arraignment.

The police accused Adeyemi of conspiracy, forgery and impersonation, alleging that he operated the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has maintained does not exist.

Investigators further alleged that Adeyemi forged official documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter allegedly bearing the signature of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the council while operating from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja.

Adeyemi's arrest came barely a day after he denied reports that he was evading security agencies.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, he insisted he was not in hiding but claimed he feared for his life because of alleged threats against him.

He also repeated his allegation that he paid N400 million through an intermediary to secure his appointment as Director-General of the disputed council and called for an independent investigation into the controversy.

According to the police, if convicted on the forgery-related charges, Adeyemi could face 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.