PFIPC scandal: Judge refuses to hear Adeyemi’s rights enforcement suit, returns case file
Federal High Court Returns Case of Detained PFIPC Director-General for Reassignment
ABUJA — Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court has returned the case file of Adeniyi Adeyemi, the detained self-styled Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.
The case involves a fundamental rights suit filed by Adeyemi, challenging his detention without trial and requesting bail pending his trial. However, during a hearing on Thursday, the court declined to proceed, noting that the 72-hour period allotted to the respondents to justify Adeyemi’s continued detention had not yet expired.
At the proceedings, Adeyemi’s counsel, Muhammad Abdulaziz, stated that the respondents had been properly served and that they were ready to move forward with the case. However, the Attorney General of the Federation’s representative, Mercy Akeredolu, along with other respondents, were absent from the court.
Justice Egwuatu pointed out that the timing of the service was critical, and confirmed that the 72-hour period had not yet elapsed. He raised concerns about whether the proof of service of the hearing notice met legal standards.
“The 72 hours has not expired… you are the one to do the needful,” Justice Egwuatu said, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
Following this, the judge ordered the case file returned to the registry for reassignment, directing Adeyemi to return once the respondents have had adequate time to respond.
This development comes after an earlier court order directing the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Attorney General to show cause within 72 hours why Adeyemi’s requests should not be granted. The court had granted one of Adeyemi’s requests, allowing him access to legal counsel while in custody.
Adeyemi’s suit includes six requests for relief, such as an order for his release, bail, and access to medical practitioners of his choice. However, the court denied the substantive reliefs on an ex parte basis, insisting that the respondents must first be given the opportunity to respond.
Adeyemi was arrested in Osun State in July after a Federal High Court issued a bench warrant due to his repeated failure to attend arraignment. He faces eight counts related to alleged forgery, fraud, and impersonation regarding his claims about the PFIPC, an entity that the Presidency has labeled as “fake.”
Adeyemi is scheduled to be arraigned on September 30, following an order from Justice Mohammed Umar for security agencies to ensure his appearance in court.
