The House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and its controversial ₦1.3 billion budget allocation has announced that it will not question Adeniyi Adeyemi during a public hearing.
Instead, the committee said Adeyemi would be interviewed privately at an undisclosed location and on a date that will not be made public.
Committee Chairman Yusuf Gagdi disclosed this during a public hearing on Tuesday, explaining that the decision was taken to avoid interfering with ongoing investigations being conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Gagdi also noted that the committee must comply with an existing court order relating to Adeyemi’s detention.
The Inspector General of Police had earlier declined the committee’s request to produce Adeyemi, stating that he remains in lawful custody under a valid court order and can only be released for questioning with the approval of a competent court.
Responding to concerns over the decision, Gagdi insisted that the committee was not protecting Adeyemi but was acting within the provisions of the law.
“We are not refusing to invite Prince Adeniyi. As an arm of government, we must respect the principles of separation of powers and the authority of both the judiciary and the executive,” he said.
He added that publicly questioning the suspect could compromise ongoing investigations by the anti-corruption agencies.
According to him, the committee will conduct the interview discreetly to ensure it does not hinder the work of the EFCC and ICPC.
Gagdi further disclosed that Adeyemi’s legal representatives would be present during the private session, in compliance with the court’s directive.
