A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to allow Adeniyi Adeyemi, Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), access to his legal counsel.
Presiding Judge Obiora Egwuatu issued the ruling on Thursday regarding a fundamental rights suit filed by Adeyemi, who remains in police custody facing an eight-count charge of forgery, fraud, and impersonation.
The court declined Adeyemi’s prayers for immediate release, bail, or access to private medical practitioners without first hearing from the respondents. Justice Egwuatu directed the IGP, the Nigeria Police Force, and the AGF to show cause within 72 hours why the remaining reliefs should not be granted, adjourning the matter to September 9.
Adeyemi’s suit sought six principal reliefs, including an order restraining police from interrogating him or taking statements without his lawyer present. The court granted partial relief, directing that he be allowed to meet his lawyers at reasonable hours while in custody.
Adeyemi was arrested in Osun State in July after a Federal High Court issued a bench warrant following his non-appearance for arraignment.
The prosecution alleges Adeyemi established the PFIPC—an entity disowned by the Federal Government—and forged presidential documents to simulate official legitimacy, including an appointment letter purportedly issued by President Bola Tinubu and signed by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. Adeyemi denies the charges, maintaining that the council exists.
The proceedings coincide with an ad-hoc House of Representatives investigation into how the unrecognised entity secured Federal Secretariat office space and a N1.32 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act. Preliminary findings by the House panel indicate no existing act of parliament or executive order established the council, describing Adeyemi’s appointment document as fabricated.
The committee also uncovered 58 bank accounts and 12 operational entities linked to Adeyemi as law enforcement agencies expand their investigation into the multi-million naira scheme.
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