For the second time in as many weeks, the Senate has turned down a motion to launch an independent inquiry into the case of Adeniyi Adeyemi, a man accused of posing as the head of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council. Senator Suleiman Kawu introduced the proposal as a matter of urgent public importance, but it failed to gain traction.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio blocked the request, citing the ongoing judicial process. He noted that because the accused is already facing charges in court and President Bola Tinubu has mandated the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to look into the matter, a parliamentary probe would be redundant and premature. Senator Kawu countered by asserting that the legislature maintains an independent constitutional oversight responsibility.
The controversy stems from an eight-count criminal charge filed against Adeyemi, which includes allegations of forgery, fraud, and impersonation. Specifically, he is accused of faking appointment papers allegedly signed by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to gain office space and diplomatic status. A Federal High Court judge, Justice Umar, has issued an order for his arrest, requiring his presence in court by September 30. Adeyemi has previously maintained his innocence and stated he intends to let the legal system resolve the claims.
