The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the police and the Attorney-General of the Federation to allow the detained self-styled Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, Adeniyi Adeyemi, access to his lawyers.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order on Thursday while ruling on a fundamental rights application filed by Adeyemi.
The court granted Adeyemi’s request for access to legal counsel but declined, at this stage, to order his release, bail or access to medical care.
Justice Egwuatu directed the Inspector-General of Police, the police and the Attorney-General of the Federation to explain within 72 hours why the other reliefs sought by Adeyemi should not be granted.
The matter was adjourned until September 9 for the respondents to provide their explanations.
Among the reliefs sought by Adeyemi was an order for his release from custody or admission to bail pending the determination of his case.
He also asked the court to permit him to receive medical attention from doctors of his choice and prevent the police from questioning him or taking his statement without his lawyer present.
However, the court granted the relief seeking access to legal practitioners, directing that Adeyemi be allowed to meet his lawyers at reasonable hours while in detention.
The application stated, “For so long as the Applicant remains in custody, the Respondents do permit the Applicant unimpeded access to legal practitioners of his own choosing at all reasonable hours.”
Adeyemi was arrested in Osun State in July following a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court after he failed to appear for his arraignment.
He is facing an eight-count charge involving alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation arising from his claim to be the Director-General of the PFIPC.
The Presidency has reportedly disowned the organisation, describing it as “fake.”
Prosecutors allege that Adeyemi forged an appointment letter purportedly issued by President Bola Tinubu and signed by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside other official documents.
Adeyemi has denied the allegations and maintained that the council is a legitimate organisation.
Earlier, Justice Mohammed Umar had directed security agencies to arrest Adeyemi and bring him before the court after several missed appearances.
The court has now fixed September 9 for the respondents to show cause why the remaining reliefs sought by Adeyemi should not be granted.
