The investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council intensified on Wednesday as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission commenced interrogation of the alleged founder of the disputed agency, Adeniyi Adeyemi, inside police detention.
The PFIPC controversy erupted after allegations that Adeyemi presented himself as the Director-General of a presidential body that several government institutions said they neither created nor recognised, while questions were raised over alleged forged documents, bank accounts and the council’s inclusion in budget proposals.
Adeyemi’s questioning, however, came after an earlier attempt by the anti-graft agency to interview him was stalled when his new lawyer failed to appear at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, where the suspect was being held.
ICPC operatives, who arrived at the facility around 10am, had prepared for the session but suspended the exercise to allow Adeyemi secure legal representation in line with his rights under criminal procedure.
The interrogation later commenced after his new lawyer arrived, but the session was not concluded as investigators continued probing allegations surrounding the creation, operations and claims of official recognition by the purported PFIPC.
