IGP declines Reps’ request to produce PFIPC DG, cites court remand order

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has declined request by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the agency’s N1.3 billion budgetary allocation to produce the director-general of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi, citing a court order remanding him in police custody.

Representing the IGP at the committee’s hearing on Wednesday, July 29, deputy commissioner of police, Olufemi Akinola said the police could not release Adeyemi unless directed by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Akinola explained that Adeyemi is being held in custody based on a valid court order and that the force would only comply with the lawmakers’ request if another court order authorising his release is obtained.

Responding, the committee chairman, Yusuf Gagdi, said the panel would not interfere with ongoing judicial proceedings, stressing that its investigation is separate from the criminal case before the court.

Gagdi said the committee respected the principle of separation of powers and had no intention of obstructing the work of law enforcement agencies.

He added that the panel would continue engaging the police as it prepares its preliminary report, expected next week.

According to the lawmaker, the committee has uncovered how the disputed budgetary allocation originated and that the forged documents were used to mislead public officials during the appropriation process.

He further claimed investigations indicated that Adeyemi created fictitious identities within the state house to facilitate the scheme.

The committee also questioned the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, alongside officials from the office of the accountant-general of the federation.

The controversy centres on claims by Adeyemi that Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to president Bola Tinubu, issued his appointment letter to the PFIPC.

Gbajabiamila has denied the claims, while the presidency said the letter bearing his signature was forged.

Adeyemi was arrested by operatives of the police intelligence response team in Osun state on Tuesday, July 14.