Adeniyi Adeyemi refuses interrogation without counsel

The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has faced challenges in interrogating its detained promoter, Adeniyi Adeyemi. While lawmakers recently visited Adeyemi in police custody to discuss allegations regarding his leadership of the organization, the interrogation was stalled because Adeyemi refused to provide substantive answers without his legal counsel present.

Adeyemi is currently in police custody following a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The warrant was issued after he failed to appear for arraignment on an eight-count charge involving allegations of conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation. The Nigerian Presidency has reportedly stated that the PFIPC does not exist.

Lawyers for Adeyemi have insisted on transparency, arguing that the interrogation should occur in a public setting rather than at an undisclosed location while he is in custody. The committee, chaired by Yusuf Gagdi, has attempted to reschedule meetings to facilitate a formal interface with Adeyemi once his counsel is available.