PFIPC probe: Police explain why suspect wasn't produced

Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has clarified why the police could not present Adeniyi Adeyemi, the alleged director-general of a controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, to a House of Representatives ad-hoc committee. The committee, investigating the council's activities, had summoned Adeyemi to answer questions based on testimonies from various government institutions that have distanced themselves from the body.

Appearing before the committee, the police were represented by Deputy Commissioner Olufemi Akinola. Akinola explained that Adeyemi is currently detained under a valid Federal High Court order. Therefore, the Nigeria Police Force requires a production warrant or a similar court order before complying with the committee's request.

"The Nigeria Police Force may not be able to produce the suspect as requested in view of the subsisting warrant," Akinola stated. He acknowledged the National Assembly's oversight powers and affirmed the police's commitment to cooperating with the committee's mandate. However, he stressed the need for a court order to facilitate Adeyemi's appearance.

Committee chairman Yusuf Gagdi accepted the police's explanation. He assured the Inspector-General that the committee would pursue the necessary legal steps to secure a court order for Adeyemi's production and would inform the police once it is obtained. The ad-hoc committee was formed to investigate the alleged operations of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, which reportedly lacks legal backing.

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We are here to convey the confidence of the Inspector-General of Police. The Nigeria Police Force may not be able to produce the suspect as requested in view of the subsisting warrant. The Nigeria Police Force recognises the constitutional oversight powers of the National Assembly and remains committed to cooperating with the committee in the discharge of its mandate. However, in this case, it will be appreciated if a production warrant could be obtained from a court of competent jurisdiction to enable the police to comply with this request.