A new development has surfaced in the ongoing trial of Director-General of the disowned Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), as indications emerge that prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana, may no longer be representing Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi.

Sources close to the matter, who requested anonymity, disclosed that Falana has stepped back from the defence of Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC.

The case involves allegations linked to the operations of the organisation and references to the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.

Falana had earlier signalled his intention to act as counsel for Adeyemi. However, insiders familiar with the proceedings suggested that challenges encountered in assembling necessary documentation for the defence may have influenced the senior lawyer’s decision to disengage.

According to the sources, several documents requested by the legal team were not made available, which reportedly affected preparations for the case.

It was further gathered that efforts were previously made to ensure Adeyemi’s appearance in court, but he did not attend earlier proceedings.

On July 14, 2026, Justice Mohammed Umar however ordered arrest of Adeyemi after he failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment on charges regarding the activities of the fake PFIPC. His lawyer was also reportedly absent in Court.

Justice Umar issued the warrant for the defendant’s arrest following an oral application by the prosecution lawyer, Wisdom Madaki.

He was subsequently apprehended in Osun State after being declared wanted by law enforcement authorities.

As of press time, neither Falana nor his chambers had released an official statement confirming his withdrawal from the case, and attempts to reach him for comments were unsuccessful.

The case continues to draw public interest, particularly amid broader concerns about entities allegedly presenting themselves as government-affiliated bodies without formal authorisation.

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