The purported Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi, has rejected the House of Representatives’ plan to question him at an undisclosed location while he remains in police custody. Instead, Adeyemi asked lawmakers to allow him to respond to the allegations during a public hearing.
Lawyer rejects private questioning
In a statement issued through his lawyer, Ademola Oyedokun, Adeyemi welcomed the House investigation into the alleged establishment and operations of the PFIPC. However, he opposed the committee’s decision to question him behind closed doors.
According to the lawyer, fairness requires that Adeyemi should respond publicly because other witnesses made allegations against him during open hearings.
“Everyone else in this matter has been heard in public, and what has been said about our client was said in public. He should be allowed to answer in the same place it was said.”
Asks Reps to invoke constitutional powers
Oyedokun urged the committee to rely on its powers under Section 89 of the Constitution to compel the police to produce Adeyemi before lawmakers. He said his client is willing to appear before the committee with his legal team and answer questions relating to the House investigation. The lawyer added that any issues connected to the criminal case before the court or investigative agencies could be handled separately.
Lawyer challenges continued detention
Oyedokun also questioned the legality of Adeyemi’s continued detention. He argued that the bench warrant cited by the police only authorised his client’s arrest and appearance before the Federal High Court. According to him, no court has ordered Adeyemi’s continued detention because he has not yet appeared before a judge.
House insists on undisclosed venue
The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee had earlier announced plans to question Adeyemi at an undisclosed location while he remains in police custody. Committee Chairman Yusuf Gagdi said the arrangement would prevent interference with ongoing investigations by the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
He explained that the committee would not take any action that could undermine the judiciary or violate the principle of separation of powers. The committee is investigating allegations surrounding the establishment and operations of the PFIPC, including claims of impersonation, forgery, financial impropriety and the unlawful use of government facilities and official insignia.
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