The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police to allow Adeniyi Adeyemi access to lawyers of his choice while he remains in custody over allegations linked to the purported fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order on Thursday while ruling on an ex parte application filed by Adeyemi in a fundamental rights enforcement suit through his lawyer, M.B. Abdulazeez.
The judge directed the Attorney General of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that Adeyemi has unimpeded access to legal practitioners of his choice at all reasonable hours throughout his detention.
Adeyemi had sought several other orders from the court, including his release from detention, bail and access to medical treatment from healthcare professionals of his choice.
His lawyers also asked the court to stop the respondents, their officers or agents from interrogating Adeyemi or compelling him to make, adopt or sign any statement without his lawyer being present.
However, Justice Egwuatu declined to grant those additional requests at the ex parte stage, holding that the respondents should first be given an opportunity to respond to the claims.
The court subsequently ordered the AGF and the police to show cause within 72 hours why the remaining reliefs sought by Adeyemi should not be granted.
The case was adjourned until September 9 for the respondents to show cause.
Adeyemi had previously been declared wanted over allegations linked to the purported PFIPC scandal.
The latest ruling therefore grants Adeyemi access to legal representation while leaving his other requests, including release and bail, for further consideration by the court.
