Drama has erupted over the House of Representatives’ probe of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), as its alleged Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, has rejected plans to quiz him secretly while in police custody.
Adeyemi, through his lawyer, Ademola Oyedokun, challenged the House ad hoc committee to bring him before a public sitting, insisting that Nigerians should hear his side of the story.
The lawyer said Adeyemi was ready to face the lawmakers and answer their questions but would not accept a secret interrogation at an undisclosed location.
Oyedokun argued that other people who appeared before the committee had been questioned publicly, while allegations against his client were also made in open hearings.
He insisted that Adeyemi should therefore be given the same opportunity to publicly respond to the accusations.
The lawyer urged the committee to invoke its powers under Section 89 of the Constitution and compel the police to produce Adeyemi at a public hearing.
He said his client would appear on any date fixed by the lawmakers, accompanied by his counsel, and answer every question relating to the House investigation.
Oyedokun, however, drew a line between the House probe and the criminal allegations against Adeyemi, saying matters already before the Federal High Court or being investigated by law enforcement agencies could be dealt with separately.
He maintained that the House was investigating a different issue — how the controversial council came into existence and who in government acted on it.
According to him, Adeyemi was eager to answer those questions publicly and believed Nigerians deserved to hear his explanation.
The lawyer also fired another salvo, challenging Adeyemi’s continued detention by the police.
He argued that the bench warrant relied upon by the police only authorised Adeyemi’s arrest and production before the Federal High Court, insisting that it did not authorise his indefinite detention.
Oyedokun claimed that no order committing his client to custody had ever been made, served on him or shown to him.
But the House committee has defended its decision to question Adeyemi away from the public eye.
Its chairman, Yusuf Gagdi, said the arrangement was designed to prevent the lawmakers’ investigation from interfering with ongoing probes by the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Gagdi said the committee had invited Adeyemi but was informed that he remained in police custody pursuant to a court order.
He stressed that the National Assembly would not deliberately undermine the judiciary or breach the principle of separation of powers.
The unfolding showdown comes as the House probes allegations surrounding the creation and operations of the PFIPC, including claims of impersonation, forgery, financial impropriety and alleged illegal use of government facilities and official insignia.
With Adeyemi demanding a public hearing and the committee insisting on a closed-door session, the PFIPC controversy now appears headed for a fresh showdown between the detained ‘DG’ and the lawmakers.
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