Fresh Twist As Police Fail To Present PFIPC DG Before Reps, Cite Reason

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has explained why Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi, the alleged self-styled Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), was not produced before the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the activities of the disputed organisation.

The explanation was contained in a letter sent to the committee and read during Wednesday’s investigative hearing by its chairman, Yusuf Gagdi.

Adeniyi had earlier been directed to appear before the lawmakers but was absent when the panel resumed its proceedings.

Reading the IGP’s correspondence, Gagdi said the police informed the committee that Adeniyi remains in custody over an ongoing criminal investigation involving allegations of conspiracy and forgery.

“We have a standing rule. We are mindful of it. The first leg of the investigation is conspiracy and forgery, which is what has taken the man into custody. We are a respecter of the principle of the separation of powers,” Gagdi said.

The lawmaker explained that he made the letter public to dispel any impression that Adeniyi had deliberately ignored the committee’s summons.

“I decided to read the letter so that members of the press would not say the man failed to show up. We have proceedings and procedures,” he added.

Police Cite Existing Court Order

According to Gagdi, the Inspector-General stated that Adeniyi could not be presented before the committee because he is being held under a valid court remand order.

“The IG said the man is in custody because of a standing court order. He stated that the court remanded him, and that is why he is in custody.

“So, for him to be here, the court order has to be vacated before he can be brought to the National Assembly,” Gagdi said.

The committee chairman stressed that lawmakers would not interfere with the ongoing criminal investigation or undermine the judicial process.

He said the panel would continue to respect the constitutional principle of separation of powers while allowing security agencies to carry out their investigations.

Gagdi also commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Office of the National Security Adviser, assuring that the committee would not obstruct their work.

He disclosed that the panel would continue engaging with the police and other relevant agencies to obtain additional information before concluding its investigation.

“We will keep writing to you so that we have further reports and clarify grey areas. By next week, we can lay our report on the resumption of this case,” he said.

The House committee is investigating how the disputed PFIPC allegedly obtained office accommodation at the Federal Secretariat and secured a ₦1.32 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act despite claims that it was never legally established as a government agency.

Adeniyi is also under investigation over allegations that he conspired with others, forged official documents and falsely presented himself as the head of the purported council.