PFIPC Scandal: Court Grants Adeyemi Access To Lawyers, Defers Bail Decision

The Federal High Court in Abuja ordered authorities to allow Adeniyi Adeyemi, the detained self-styled Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, access to his lawyers while deferring his bail request.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order on Thursday while ruling on a fundamental rights suit filed by Adeyemi, who is being held by the police over allegations connected with the disputed PFIPC.

The court directed the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force and the Attorney-General of the Federation to allow Adeyemi to meet his legal representatives at reasonable hours for as long as he remains in custody.

However, the judge declined to immediately grant Adeyemi’s requests for bail, release from detention and access to medical practitioners of his choice.

Instead, the respondents were given 72 hours to show cause why the remaining reliefs sought by Adeyemi should not be granted. The case was adjourned until September 9 for the respondents to present their positions.

Adeyemi had sought six separate reliefs from the court. He also asked that investigators be restrained from interrogating him or obtaining statements without his lawyer present.

The court granted his request for access to legal representation, leaving the other issues unresolved.

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

He is facing an eight-count charge involving alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation over his claim to head the PFIPC, an organisation the Presidency has described as fictitious.

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

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

The PFIPC controversy has also attracted legislative scrutiny after the organisation appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act. A House of Representatives committee investigating the matter said it found no valid law or presidential order establishing the council.

The latest ruling leaves Adeyemi in detention pending further proceedings, while ensuring that he can consult his lawyers as the court considers his outstanding requests. Further proceedings will determine whether the court grants bail.