A House of Representatives committee tasked with examining the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and its contested N1.3 billion budget has decided against a public hearing for Adeniyi Adeyemi. Instead, the lawmakers will meet with him in a closed-door session at an unrevealed time and place.
Yusuf Gagdi, the committee chairman, announced this shift during a Tuesday session. He clarified that the move aims to prevent complications with active probes led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. Additionally, the panel must comply with a court order regarding the suspect’s current detention.
Police officials previously rejected a request to present Adeyemi, citing that his detention is mandated by a court. They noted he could only be moved for questioning if a judge orders it. Gagdi emphasized that the committee is not attempting to protect the individual but is adhering to legal boundaries and the separation of powers. He warned that a public spectacle could jeopardize the work of anti-graft agencies. Adeyemi’s lawyers will attend the upcoming private meeting to ensure compliance with judicial mandates.
