Fake Agency Scandal: Adeyemi says he did not prepare budget included in 2026 Appropriation Act

Adeniyi Adeyemi, the controversial Director-General of the disowned Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), has denied preparing the council's budget that was incorporated into the 2026 Appropriation Act. Adeyemi stated in an interview that he was in police detention during the period when the budget was being processed and insisted that neither he nor anyone acting on his behalf participated in its preparation or defense.

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No, sir. I’m not the one because when the preparations for the budget started, I was invited by the Nigeria Police Force, Department of Monitoring Unit.

The 2026 Appropriation Act lists the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC)/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) under the presidency with a budget allocation of N1.3 billion. This includes N800 million for personnel costs and N200 million for capital projects. However, the presidency has stated that the PFIPC is not a recognized government agency and that Adeyemi allegedly forged documents to present himself as its head.

Adeyemi was arrested on October 27, 2025, by the Nigeria Police Force's Monitoring Unit following a petition questioning the agency's activities. He remained in detention for 23 days before his release on November 19. He expressed confusion as to how the budget, which he claims was never defended, found its way into the national budget, especially since he had been arraigned in court upon his release and had not returned to the office.

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I did not, and nobody went for the defence. That is why I’m confused that, how come that the budget that nobody defended it could still find its way to the national budget.

Adding to the controversy is the fact that Adeyemi's trial, which began in February, has stalled due to repeated adjournments. These delays stem from defense requests, court scheduling conflicts, and claims of ill health. The inclusion of a non-existent agency in the national budget has raised questions about the integrity of the governmental process.

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That is why I’m confused, how did the agency find its way into the national budget?