The man identified as the purported Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, Adeniyi Adeyemi, has rejected plans by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee to question him at an undisclosed location while he remains in police custody.
According to Punch, Adeyemi, through his lawyer, Ademola Oyedokun, said he welcomed the House investigation into the alleged establishment and operations of the PFIPC but insisted that any appearance before lawmakers should be conducted in public rather than behind closed doors.
His lawyer argued that because allegations against Adeyemi were presented during the committee’s public hearings, he should be given the same opportunity to respond openly. Oyedokun urged the committee to invoke its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the Constitution to compel the police to produce his client before a public sitting of the House.
He maintained that Adeyemi was willing to attend with legal representation and answer questions relating to the committee’s investigation into how the council was created and whether government officials interacted with it.
The lawyer said issues connected to the criminal allegations against his client would instead be addressed before the Federal High Court and relevant investigative agencies. He added that while questions directly affecting ongoing court proceedings could be handled separately, the broader legislative inquiry should remain open to the public.
Oyedokun also challenged the legality of Adeyemi’s continued detention, arguing that the bench warrant obtained by the police authorised only his arrest and production before the Federal High Court, not prolonged detention without being brought before a judge.
The House of Representatives ad hoc committee announced on Tuesday that it would interview Adeyemi at an undisclosed location because he remains in police custody. Committee Chairman Yusuf Gagdi said the arrangement was intended to avoid interfering with ongoing investigations by the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Gagdi explained that lawmakers had been informed that Adeyemi was being held pursuant to a court order and stressed that the National Assembly would not undermine the judiciary or violate the principle of separation of powers.
The committee is investigating allegations surrounding the creation and operations of the PFIPC, including claims of impersonation, forgery, financial impropriety and the unlawful use of government facilities and official insignia.
