Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), has rejected plans by a House of Representatives committee to question him in private while he remains in police custody.
Through his lawyer, Ademola Oyedokun, Adeyemi said he supports the ongoing probe into the controversial council but insists any questioning should be conducted publicly.
He argued that since allegations against him were made during open hearings, fairness requires that he be allowed to respond in the same forum.
“All others involved have spoken publicly. Our client should be given the same opportunity,” Oyedokun said, urging the committee to use its constitutional powers to compel the police to produce Adeyemi for a public session.
The lawyer cited Section 89 of the Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to summon individuals and enforce attendance. He said Adeyemi is ready to appear with his legal team and answer questions.
Adeyemi also questioned the legality of his continued detention, claiming he has not been presented before any court despite a bench warrant reportedly authorizing only his arrest and appearance in court.
Meanwhile, the House committee, chaired by Yusuf Gagdi, defended its decision to hold the interrogation at an undisclosed location. Gagdi said the move is to avoid interfering with ongoing investigations by the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
He added that lawmakers would not act in a way that undermines the judiciary or violates the principle of separation of powers.
The committee is investigating allegations surrounding the PFIPC, including claims of impersonation, forgery, financial misconduct, and the unauthorized use of government symbols and facilities.
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