Court Orders Police, AGF to Let Detained PFIPC Director Access Lawyers

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled on Thursday that the Inspector-General of Police and Attorney-General of the Federation must allow Adeniyi Adeyemi—a detained individual connected to the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council scandal—unrestricted contact with legal counsel at reasonable hours. The directive followed a fundamental rights application that Adeyemi's legal representatives brought before the court.

For Adeyemi's defence, the ruling constitutes only a partial success. The court approved his petition for lawyer access but declined to order his immediate release or award bail.

Justice Egwuatu also postponed ruling on Adeyemi's bid for access to medical treatment, signalling that the respondent agencies must submit additional arguments on these points. Adeyemi is defending himself against criminal allegations involving forgery and impersonation stemming from what state authorities characterise as an unlawful investment promotion scheme.

The particulars of these allegations and underlying evidence remain subject to ongoing court examination. According to certain reports, the judge mandated that the authorities submit their reasoning within 72 hours to justify continued detention, though some accounts do not reference this specific timeframe.

Detainees routinely pursue fundamental rights suits as a mechanism to contest confinement conditions. By granting Adeyemi's request for unrestricted lawyer consultations, the court has ensured he maintains a robust legal defence while held in police custody.

Subsequent court proceedings will establish whether the applicant qualifies for further relief such as bail or discharge from detention.