Fake Agency Probe: Adeyemi Rejects Closed-Door Reps Quiz, Demands Public Hearing

The purported Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi, has opposed the House of Representatives’ decision to question him at a private location while he remains in police custody, insisting that any interaction with lawmakers should take place in public.

Adeyemi’s position was conveyed through his lawyer, Ademola Oyedokun, who said his client welcomed the ongoing parliamentary investigation into the establishment and operations of the controversial council but rejected plans for a closed-door interrogation.

According to the lawyer, fairness and transparency require that Adeyemi be given the opportunity to respond publicly to allegations already made against him during the committee’s open hearings.

He argued that every witness who appeared before the lawmakers had testified publicly, making it only appropriate for his client to defend himself before the same audience.

Oyedokun urged the House committee to invoke its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution to direct the police to produce Adeyemi before the committee during a public sitting.

He maintained that his client was prepared to answer questions relating to the committee’s investigation while reserving comments on issues currently before the courts or investigative agencies in line with legal advice.

The lawyer stressed that the National Assembly’s inquiry differs from the criminal investigations being conducted by the Nigerian Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He also questioned the legality of Adeyemi’s continued detention, arguing that the bench warrant relied upon by the police authorised only his arrest and production before the Federal High Court, not prolonged detention without a valid court order.

Earlier, Chairman of the House ad hoc committee, Yusuf Gagdi, explained that lawmakers decided to question Adeyemi outside the National Assembly because he remains in police custody.

According to Gagdi, the committee’s decision was intended to avoid interfering with ongoing investigations and to respect the constitutional principle of separation of powers.

The House committee is investigating allegations surrounding the creation and operations of the PFIPC, including claims of impersonation, forgery, financial misconduct and the alleged unlawful use of government facilities, official insignia and public resources.