The embattled promoter of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi, has set a fresh condition for appearing before the House of Representatives investigative panel, insisting that journalists and his lawyers must be present during the session.
Adeyemi, who is currently in police custody over allegations surrounding the disputed council, is demanding an open interrogation as lawmakers intensify their probe into how the PFIPC allegedly secured government recognition, office space and a budgetary allocation running into over N1.32bn despite questions over its legal status.
A source familiar with the committee’s proceedings disclosed that lawmakers are yet to decide the venue for the much-anticipated session with Adeyemi, who is expected to appear before the panel this week.
The House Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Yusuf Gagdi, a lawmaker representing Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency of Plateau State, is investigating allegations surrounding the creation and operations of the PFIPC, including claims of impersonation, forgery, financial impropriety and alleged misuse of government facilities.
The controversy erupted after questions were raised over how the council allegedly operated from the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja and benefited from public funds through the 2026 Appropriation Act despite reportedly lacking legal backing.
Adeyemi’s planned appearance before the committee has now added another twist to the unfolding drama, with the PFIPC promoter rejecting any attempt to question him privately.
Through his lawyer, Ademola Oyedokun, Adeyemi had expressed readiness to face the lawmakers but insisted that the process must be transparent, arguing that allegations against him were made publicly and he should be allowed to respond in the same manner.
A family source said Adeyemi informed the committee that he would only cooperate if members of the media and his legal representatives were allowed to witness the session.
The source explained that Adeyemi was uncomfortable with the idea of being questioned behind closed doors and wanted the proceedings conducted openly.
The House panel had earlier planned to question Adeyemi at an undisclosed location while he remained in police custody, citing the need not to interfere with investigations by security agencies.
Gagdi said the committee was mindful of ongoing investigations by the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, stressing that lawmakers could not act in a manner that violated an existing court order.
However, Adeyemi’s family had protested the arrangement, alleging that an earlier attempt by lawmakers to interrogate him failed because his lawyers were not present.
His brother, Peter, said Adeyemi was not avoiding the probe but wanted a fair opportunity to defend himself against the allegations.
The police, meanwhile, said access to Adeyemi would be granted to visitors who met the required conditions.
Police spokesperson Ani Ineidu stated that anyone seeking to visit a person in custody must provide the necessary approvals and documents before being allowed access.
Before Adeyemi’s planned appearance, the committee had already heard from top government officials, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack; Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu; officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria; and representatives of the Inspector-General of Police.
Their testimonies reportedly raised concerns over how Adeyemi allegedly presented himself as the head of the PFIPC and gained access to government institutions.
With Adeyemi’s testimony now hanging in the balance, all eyes are on the House panel as it seeks to unravel how the controversial council was created, who backed its operations and whether public resources were committed to an organisation whose legal existence has been questioned.
