PFIPC probe: Why we didn’t produce Adeyemi

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has declined to produce Adeniyi Adeyemi before the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the alleged N1.3 billion budgetary allocation to the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The committee had, on Monday, directed the IGP to present Adeyemi for interrogation over the operations of the PFIPC.

However, at the committee’s investigative hearing on Wednesday, Olufemi Akinola, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) who represented the IGP, stated that Adeyemi is currently in custody based on a valid court order.

Akinola explained that the police would not produce Adeyemi before the committee unless a court of competent jurisdiction issues a warrant directing the force to comply with the request.

In response, Yusuf Gagdi, chairman of the committee, said the panel acknowledged the limits of its authority and would not interfere with ongoing judicial proceedings.

“We are not commenting on the conspiracy and fraud charges already before the court because we respect the principle of separation of powers,” Gagdi said.

“The IGP did not refuse to present the suspect. He only explained that a court order currently remands him (Adeyemi) in police custody, and until that order is vacated or a warrant is obtained, the police cannot release him to appear before the national assembly.”

Gagdi added that the committee would continue to seek updates from the police as it prepares its preliminary findings, expected next week.

He further disclosed that the panel had uncovered details of how the disputed budgetary allocation originated, alleging that “forged documents” were used to mislead public officials during the appropriation process.

According to the committee, investigations indicate that Adeyemi created fictitious identities within the State House to facilitate the scheme.

The panel also questioned Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, as well as officials representing the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

The controversy surrounding the PFIPC has also drawn in Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. Adeyemi had claimed that Gbajabiamila issued his appointment letter—an allegation the Chief of Staff has denied.

The Presidency has maintained that the appointment letter bearing Gbajabiamila’s signature was forged, while he had earlier petitioned security agencies over the matter.

Adeyemi was arrested on July 14 in Osun State by operatives of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).