The man identified as the purported Director General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, Adeniyi Adeyemi, has rejected plans by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee to question him at a private location while in police custody, insisting that any appearance before lawmakers should be conducted in the open.
Adeyemi, through his lawyer, Ademola Oyedokun, said on Wednesday that although his client welcomed the National Assembly’s investigation into the controversial council, he opposed the committee’s decision to interrogate him behind closed doors.
According to the lawyer, fairness requires that Adeyemi be allowed to publicly respond to allegations that were made against him during the committee’s open proceedings.
He urged the lawmakers to invoke their constitutional powers under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution to compel the Nigeria Police Force to produce his client before the committee at a public hearing.
Oyedokun maintained that Adeyemi was prepared to appear before the lawmakers with his legal team and answer all questions relating to the committee’s investigation.
He, however, noted that issues directly connected to the ongoing criminal case before the Federal High Court and investigations by security agencies would be addressed through the appropriate legal channels.
The lawyer argued that the House inquiry was distinct from the criminal proceedings, as it was focused on how the council was established and whether any government officials recognised or acted on its activities.
He added that while legally sensitive matters could be handled separately, it would be inappropriate for the entire session to be conducted in secret because part of the testimony might relate to issues before the court.
Oyedokun also questioned the legality of Adeyemi’s continued detention, contending that the bench warrant obtained by the police only authorised his arrest and production before the Federal High Court, not prolonged detention without being presented before a judge.
The House of Representatives ad hoc committee had earlier announced that it would question Adeyemi at an undisclosed location while he remains in police custody.
Chairman of the committee, Yusuf Gagdi, said the arrangement was intended to avoid disrupting ongoing investigations being conducted by the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Gagdi explained that the committee had invited Adeyemi but was informed that he remained in police custody under a court order.
He stressed that the National Assembly would not take any step capable of undermining the judiciary or violating the principle of separation of powers.
The committee is investigating allegations surrounding the creation and activities of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, including claims of impersonation, forgery, financial misconduct and the unlawful use of government facilities and official insignia.