The alleged Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi, has objected to plans by a House of Representatives ad hoc committee to question him at an undisclosed location while he remains in police custody.
Adeyemi, through his lawyer, Ademola Oyedokun, said he supports the lawmakers’ investigation into the creation and operations of the PFIPC but insisted that his appearance should be held publicly.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Oyedokun argued that Adeyemi should be given the opportunity to respond openly because other individuals involved in the matter had already appeared before the committee during public hearings.
“We have read that the committee intends to interview our client at an undisclosed date and place. We respectfully ask it to reconsider,” the lawyer said.
He added that since allegations against Adeyemi were made publicly, the response to those claims should also be heard in public.
The lawyer urged the committee to use its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the Constitution to compel the police to bring Adeyemi before a public sitting.
According to him, Adeyemi is willing to appear before the committee on any date set by lawmakers and answer questions alongside his legal counsel.
Oyedokun clarified that while criminal allegations against his client would be addressed before the Federal High Court and relevant investigative agencies, the House inquiry was focused on a separate issue — how the PFIPC was created and whether government officials acted on its existence.
He maintained that such an inquiry should be transparent and conducted before Nigerians.
The lawyer also challenged the legality of Adeyemi’s continued detention, arguing that the police warrant only authorised his arrest and presentation before the court, not indefinite custody.
“No order committing him to custody has been made, served on him, or shown to him. He has never been brought before any court,” Oyedokun said.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the House committee, Yusuf Gagdi, had earlier explained that lawmakers planned to meet Adeyemi privately to avoid interfering with ongoing investigations by security agencies, including the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Gagdi said the committee had invited Adeyemi but was informed that he remained in police custody based on a court order. He added that the National Assembly would respect judicial processes and the principle of separation of powers.
The House committee is investigating allegations surrounding the PFIPC, including claims of impersonation, forgery, financial misconduct, and the unauthorised use of government facilities and official symbols.
