The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has explained why the Nigeria Police Force cannot produce Adeniyi Adeyemi before the House of Representatives ad hoc committee probing the alleged N1.3 billion budgetary allocation to the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

This was disclosed on Wednesday during the committee’s investigative hearing after lawmakers had earlier directed the IGP to produce Adeyemi for questioning over his alleged involvement in the operations of the PFIPC.

Representing the IGP, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Olufemi Akinola informed the panel that Adeyemi remains in police custody under a valid court remand order, making it legally impossible for the police to release him for legislative interrogation.

According to Akinola, the force can only comply with the committee’s request if a court of competent jurisdiction issues a warrant authorising Adeyemi’s appearance before the lawmakers.

Responding to the explanation, Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi, acknowledged the legal constraints facing the police, stressing that the National Assembly would not interfere with ongoing judicial proceedings.

“We are not commenting on the conspiracy and fraud charges already before the court because we respect the principle of separation of powers,” Gagdi said.

“The IGP did not refuse to present the suspect. He only explained that a court order currently remands him (Adeyemi) in police custody, and until that order is vacated or a warrant is obtained, the police cannot release him to appear before the National Assembly.”

Gagdi added that the committee would continue to liaise with the police while preparing its preliminary report, which is expected to be submitted next week.

The lawmaker disclosed that the panel’s investigation had traced the origin of the disputed budgetary allocation and uncovered the alleged use of forged documents to mislead public officials during the appropriation process.

He further alleged that findings indicated Adeyemi created fictitious identities within the State House to facilitate the alleged scheme.

The committee also questioned the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, alongside officials from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, as part of its ongoing investigation.

The PFIPC controversy has also drawn in the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, after Adeyemi reportedly claimed that his appointment letter was signed by the presidential aide.

Gbajabiamila has denied the allegation, while the Presidency maintained that the appointment letter bearing his signature was forged. The Chief of Staff had earlier petitioned security agencies to investigate the alleged forgery.

Adeyemi was arrested by operatives of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Osun State on July 14 and is currently facing criminal proceedings.