Nigeria Police Force Skips House of Representatives Inquiry, Citing Court Order
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) declined to attend a session of the House of Representatives Select Committee examining the activities of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) on Wednesday. The police’s absence was attributed to a court order that mandates the detention of self-proclaimed Director-General, Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi.
Representing the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Olufemi Akinola addressed the committee, emphasizing that the police’s inability to comply with the lawmakers’ request was due to Adeniyi’s lawful custody under a valid Federal High Court order.
Akinola reaffirmed the NPF’s willingness to collaborate with the National Assembly but made it clear that they could not take actions that might contravene existing legal directives. He stated, “The Nigeria Police Force may not be able to hand over the suspects as requested given the existing warrants. We recognize the constitutional oversight powers of the National Assembly and remain committed to cooperating with the commission.”
Committee Continues Investigation into PFIPC Activities
The inquiry is led by a House of Commons committee chaired by John Johnson, with Yusuf Adam Gagdi further exploring the PFIPC’s operations and its assertions of functioning as a federally sponsored investment vehicle. Gagdi clarified that Adeniyi did not refuse to appear before the committee; rather, he remains in custody due to judicial proceedings.
Gagdi expressed respect for the principle of separation of powers and highlighted the committee’s commitment to non-interference with ongoing judicial processes. He noted that various investigations involving the Nigeria Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) are simultaneously taking place.
Preliminary Findings Reveal Allegations of Fraud
The lack of police cooperation in extraditing Adeniyi comes as the committee reports emerging evidence from its investigations into PFIPC’s undertakings. Gagdi revealed that initial inquiries have unveiled a complex array of fraudulent documentation allegedly employed to gain official recognition and government permits.
In particular, investigators discovered numerous documents referencing an alleged Office of Management and Support Services within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of State for the Legislature, which Gagdi confirmed does not exist. “Our investigation revealed that this department does not exist; however, the documents mentioning it were allegedly used to obtain official approvals,” he stated.
Evidence of Forgery Points to Systemic Issues
The committee has identified at least 19 forged documents purportedly issued in the names of senior officials within the state legislature. Gagdi emphasized the gravity of these discoveries, stating, “This is not just one forged letter. We found 19 different documents purporting to have come from the Legislature.”
In urging the public to refrain from politicizing the investigation, Gagdi remarked, “We must not be swayed by politics or emotions. Let us follow the facts wherever they lead.” The committee has also sought clarification from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) regarding how the PFIPC received an Administrative Code based on documents allegedly stemming from a non-existent government office.
Accountant General’s Response Sparks Further Questions
During the session, Joshua Luca, the OAGF’s former federal project finance director, elaborated on how the administrative request was processed after being received through correspondence directed to the permanent secretary of the state legislature. He maintained that the request followed established procedures, although he acknowledged that the budget office was only informed for informational purposes.
Luca pointed out that the oversight occurred because the letter failed to reach its intended recipient, characterizing it as a “personal, not systemic failure.” However, committee members questioned how an acknowledgment of the letter had reached Adeniyi, who is not affiliated with the Office of the President.
Investigative Commission to Present Findings
Gagdi contended that the alleged misconduct might have been discovered sooner if the correspondence had adhered to proper administrative channels, suggesting, “If this letter had gone to the Office of the Permanent Secretary, they would have been informed that there is no Office of Administrative and Support Services in the state Legislature, and the fraud would have been exposed sooner.”
The investigative commission aims to finalize its fact-finding phase before publicly releasing its preliminary findings and subsequently presenting a detailed report to the House of Commons. The overarching goal is to delineate the full extent of the alleged fraudulent activities surrounding the PFIPC, identify all involved parties, and recommend legislative and administrative measures to prevent similar government process abuses in the future.
