The family of the alleged Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi, has accused members of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee of attempting to question him in police custody without his lawyers. The allegation comes as the committee continues its investigation into the controversial council.
Family raises concern
Speaking with journalists on Thursday, Adeyemi’s brother, Peter Adeyemi, claimed that members of the committee visited the facility where his brother is being held. He said Adeyemi refused to answer their questions because none of his legal representatives was present.
Peter urged the committee to allow his brother to respond publicly to the allegations, just as others involved in the matter had done.
“The Reps committee came and wanted to interrogate him, but he refused. They are still there trying to make him talk without any of his lawyers being present. We are crying out loud so that the right thing would be done.”
He added:
“He has stated that he wants to be quizzed the same way others who have accused him have spoken. It’s not that he is not willing to state his side of the story.”
Lawyer rejects closed-door questioning
Meanwhile, Adeyemi’s lawyer, Ademola Oyedokun, had earlier opposed the committee’s plan to question his client at an undisclosed location while he remains in police custody. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the lawyer said Adeyemi welcomed the House investigation. However, he rejected any form of closed-door interrogation.
“We have read that the committee intends to interview our client at an undisclosed date and place. We ask it, respectfully, to think again. 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.”
Committee explains decision
Earlier, the House committee announced that it would question Adeyemi at an undisclosed location while he remains in police custody. Committee Chairman Yusuf Gagdi said the arrangement would prevent lawmakers from interfering with 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 police informed the committee that Adeyemi remains in custody under a valid court order. Gagdi added that the National Assembly cannot override a court order or undermine the judiciary. He also said lawmakers would respect the principle of separation of powers throughout the investigation.
Probe continues
The House committee is investigating the establishment and operations of the PFIPC. The probe covers allegations of impersonation, forgery, financial impropriety and the unlawful use of government facilities and official insignia.
Read also: PFIPC probe: Adeyemi demands public hearing, rejects secret Reps interrogation
