PFIPC Trial: Falana Reportedly Withdraws from Adeyemi’s Defence as Case Takes New Twist

Fresh developments have emerged in the trial involving the Director-General of the disowned Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), with reports indicating that prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana (SAN), has withdrawn from the defence of Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi.

According to sources familiar with the case, Falana is no longer representing Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC.

The trial centres on allegations relating to the activities of the organisation and its purported links to the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.

Although Falana had earlier indicated his intention to defend Adeyemi, sources said difficulties in obtaining key documents needed for the defence may have influenced his decision to step away from the case.

The sources further disclosed that several documents requested by the legal team were not made available, affecting preparations for the trial.

It was also gathered that previous efforts to secure Adeyemi’s appearance in court were unsuccessful, as he failed to attend earlier proceedings.

On July 14, 2026, Justice Mohammed Umar issued a warrant for Adeyemi’s arrest after he failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment over allegations connected to the operations of the alleged fake PFIPC. His legal representative was also reportedly absent during the proceedings.

The arrest warrant followed an oral application by the prosecution counsel, Wisdom Madaki. Adeyemi was later apprehended in Osun State after law enforcement authorities declared him wanted.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Falana nor his law firm had officially confirmed his reported withdrawal from the case, while attempts to obtain his reaction were unsuccessful.

The case has continued to attract public attention amid concerns over organisations allegedly presenting themselves as government-affiliated institutions without official authorisation.

The matter has been adjourned until September 30, 2026, for further hearing.