Why PFIPC DG missed Reps hearing — IG

The Nigeria Police Force has explained why the alleged self-proclaimed Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi, was not produced before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the activities of the controversial agency.

The explanation was contained in a letter from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which was read on Wednesday by the committee’s Chairman, Yusuf Gagdi, after Adeniyi failed to appear before lawmakers as directed.

According to the letter, the suspect remains in police custody over an ongoing investigation into allegations of conspiracy and forgery, making it impossible for him to honour the committee’s invitation.

Gagdi said the police informed the committee that Adeniyi was being held pursuant to a valid court order and could not be released to appear before the lawmakers unless the order was vacated.

He explained that the committee made the letter public to dispel any impression that the suspect deliberately ignored the summons.

The lawmaker stressed that the House would not interfere with the ongoing police investigation or judicial process, noting that the committee respects the principle of separation of powers.

He also commended the Nigeria Police Force and other security and anti-graft agencies, including the Department of State Services, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, for their roles in the investigation.

Gagdi said the committee would continue to engage the police and other relevant agencies to obtain updates and resolve outstanding issues before concluding its investigation.

The House panel is probing how the alleged PFIPC secured office space at the Federal Secretariat and received 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 police investigation over allegations of conspiracy, forgery and falsely presenting himself as the Director-General of the purported council.