A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered police to grant PFIPC DG Adeniyi Adeyemi access to his lawyers and directed authorities to respond within 72 hours to his bail and release requests.
A federal high court in Abuja has ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to grant Adeniyi Adeyemi, director-general of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), access to his lawyers.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the order on Thursday while ruling on a fundamental rights suit filed by Adeyemi, who is currently in police custody.
The court, however, declined to grant Adeyemi’s requests for his release, bail and access to medical treatment without first hearing from the respondents. Egwuatu directed the IGP, the police and the AGF to show cause within 72 hours why the remaining reliefs sought by Adeyemi should not be granted, and adjourned the case to September 9.
What Adeyemi Asked the Court For
Adeyemi had asked the court for six reliefs in total, including an order for his release from custody and bail pending determination of the suit. He also sought permission to access medical practitioners of his choice, and an order restraining the police from interrogating him or taking a statement without his lawyer present.
In his ex parte application, Adeyemi specifically asked for “unimpeded access to legal practitioners of his own choosing at all reasonable hours” while he remains in custody. That request was the only one the court granted outright, with Egwuatu directing that Adeyemi be allowed to meet his lawyers at reasonable hours.
Background: Arrest and Charges
Adeyemi was picked up in Osun State in July, after a federal high court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest following his failure to appear for arraignment. He now faces an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation, tied to his claim to head the PFIPC, an organisation the federal government has disowned.
Prosecutors allege that Adeyemi forged an appointment letter purportedly issued by President Bola Tinubu and signed by Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff, along with other official documents. Adeyemi has denied the allegations and continues to maintain that the council exists.
Wider Investigation
The case unfolds against the backdrop of an ongoing probe by a House of Representatives ad hoc committee into the PFIPC, triggered by the organisation’s inclusion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
In its preliminary report, the committee said it found no valid act of the National Assembly or presidential order establishing the PFIPC. It also said it found no evidence that Gbajabiamila signed Adeyemi’s purported appointment letter, describing the document as fabricated and falsely attributed to the presidency.
The panel further reported uncovering 58 bank accounts and 12 agencies and entities linked to Adeyemi, deepening scrutiny of the council’s finances and structure ahead of the next court date.
The case returns to court on September 9, when the IGP, the police and the AGF are expected to show cause why Adeyemi’s remaining requests, including release, bail and access to medical care, should not be granted.
