-The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has said it will interrogate the agency’s Director-General, Aderemi Matthew Adeyemi, at an undisclosed date and location.
The committee said the decision was intended to respect the constitutional principle of separation of powers and avoid interfering with ongoing investigations and court proceedings.
Why Adeyemi will not appear at public hearing
Chairman of the committee, Yusuf Gagdi, said lawmakers would not compel Adeyemi, who is in police custody, to appear before the panel in a manner that could conflict with an existing court order.
He explained that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other agencies were investigating aspects of the matter.
According to Gagdi, publicly questioning Adeyemi before cameras could undermine the ongoing investigations.
Committee to meet him privately
The committee chairman said lawmakers would instead meet Adeyemi at an unannounced time and location, with the police informed beforehand.
Adeyemi is expected to have his lawyers present during the interaction, in line with the court’s direction.
Gagdi stressed that the committee’s primary objective was to obtain necessary clarification from Adeyemi rather than insist on his physical appearance at the public hearing.
N400m payment allegation emerges
The development came as businessman Gbenga Collins, Managing Director of Divine Dopacy Nigeria Limited, told the committee that he allegedly paid N400 million to the purported PFIPC DG after being promised a contract to renovate and furnish an official residence.
The allegation forms part of the wider investigation into the purported agency and its activities. Collins’ claims remain allegations and have not, by themselves, established criminal liability.