Why We Failed to Produce Fake PFIPC DG Before Reps Panel — IG

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has explained why Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi, who is under investigation over his alleged role as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), was not brought before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee probing the activities of the council.

The explanation was contained in a letter sent to the committee and read during Wednesday’s sitting by its chairman, Yusuf Gagdi, after Adeniyi failed to appear before lawmakers as previously directed.

According to the letter, Adeniyi remains in police custody as investigations continue into allegations of conspiracy and forgery.

Gagdi said the police informed the committee that the suspect could not be released because he is being held under a valid court order.

He explained that the committee decided to read the police correspondence openly to make it clear that Adeniyi did not ignore the lawmakers’ invitation.

The committee chairman said the police were carrying out a criminal investigation into the matter and that the suspect was remanded by a court, making it impossible for him to appear before the committee unless the court order was first set aside.

Gagdi said the House committee would not interfere with the ongoing investigation or judicial proceedings, adding that it respects the constitutional separation of powers.

He also commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other security and anti-corruption agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Office of the National Security Adviser, in handling the investigation.

According to him, the committee will continue to communicate with the police and other relevant agencies to obtain updates and resolve outstanding issues before concluding its work.

He disclosed that the panel expects to present its report after the investigation resumes next week.

The House committee is investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged operation of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, including claims that the body secured office accommodation at the Federal Secretariat and received a ₦1.32 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act despite allegations that it was never legally established as a government agency.

Adeniyi is also being investigated by the police over allegations of conspiracy, forgery and falsely presenting himself as the head of the alleged council.