By Tolulope Oke
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to allow Adeniyi Adeyemi, the embattled Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), access to his lawyers while in custody.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order on Thursday while ruling on a fundamental rights suit filed by Adeyemi, who is facing criminal charges over allegations surrounding the controversial agency.
The court, however, declined to immediately grant Adeyemi’s request for release, bail and access to medical treatment, directing the respondents to explain within 72 hours why the remaining demands should not be granted.
The case was adjourned until September 9 for the police and the AGF to respond.
Adeyemi had asked the court to order his release from custody, grant him bail pending the determination of the suit, and stop the police from interrogating him or obtaining statements from him without his lawyers present.
While the court refused to grant the wider reliefs at this stage, it approved his request to meet with legal representatives at reasonable hours while remaining in custody.
Adeyemi was arrested in Osun State in July after a Federal High Court issued a bench warrant following his failure to appear for arraignment.
He is facing an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation linked to his claim of heading the PFIPC, an organisation the Federal Government has denied establishing.
Prosecutors alleged that Adeyemi forged official documents, including an appointment letter purportedly issued by President Bola Tinubu and signed by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.
Adeyemi has denied the allegations and maintained that the PFIPC exists.
The development comes as the House of Representatives continues its investigation into the controversial council after its inclusion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
The committee had earlier reported that it found no valid law or presidential directive establishing the PFIPC.
It also said the appointment documents linked to Adeyemi were not genuine and claimed its investigation uncovered 58 bank accounts and 12 entities connected to him.
