Court Delays Rights Hearing for Fake Agency DG Adeyemi

The Federal High Court in Abuja has deferred further consideration of a fundamental rights suit filed by Adeniyi Adeyemi, the detained self-styled Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu had earlier directed the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force and the Attorney-General of the Federation to explain why Adeyemi’s requests for release, bail and access to medical treatment should not be granted.

The court, however, granted Adeyemi’s request for access to legal representation, directing that he be allowed to meet his lawyers at reasonable hours while in custody.

Adeyemi had filed the suit challenging his continued detention and seeking six reliefs, including an order for his immediate release, admission to bail and access to medical practitioners of his choice.

He also sought an order preventing the police from interrogating him or obtaining any statement from him without his lawyer being present.

The court declined to grant those additional requests without first hearing from the respondents, in keeping with the requirement for fair hearing.

Adeyemi was arrested in Osun State in July after a Federal High Court issued a bench warrant following his failure to appear for arraignment.

He is facing an eight-count criminal charge involving alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation linked to his claim to head the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has described as non-existent.

Prosecutors allege that Adeyemi forged an appointment letter purportedly issued by President Bola Tinubu and signed by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside other official documents.

Adeyemi has denied the allegations and maintained that the council exists.

The controversy has also attracted scrutiny from the House of Representatives. A committee investigating the organisation recently said preliminary findings showed that the purported appointment letter was fabricated and that there was no valid law or presidential order establishing the council.

The committee also identified numerous bank accounts and entities connected to the investigation, while stressing that its findings remained preliminary and did not constitute a final determination of criminal guilt.

Adeyemi’s criminal case is scheduled for further proceedings, while the fundamental rights proceedings will determine whether the police can continue holding him under the circumstances challenged by his legal team.