The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force to allow Adeniyi Adeyemi access to lawyers of his choice while he remains in custody over his alleged connection with the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order on Thursday while ruling on an application filed by Adeyemi as part of a fundamental rights case brought before the court through his lawyer, M.B. Abdulazeez.
The judge directed the authorities holding Adeyemi to ensure that he can meet and communicate with legal practitioners chosen by him at reasonable times for as long as his detention continues.
Adeyemi had approached the court with several requests concerning his detention and the conditions under which he was being held.
Among the reliefs sought by his legal team were an order for his release, bail and access to medical care from health professionals of his choice.
His lawyers also asked the court to prevent the police and other respondents, including their officers and agents, from questioning Adeyemi or making him prepare, sign or adopt any statement without a lawyer of his choice being present.
However, Justice Egwuatu did not grant the additional requests at the initial stage of the proceedings. The judge ruled that the respondents should first be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations and explain why the other orders should not be made.
The court consequently gave the Attorney-General of the Federation and the police 72 hours to present reasons why Adeyemi’s remaining requests should not be granted.
The case was adjourned until September 9, when the respondents are expected to appear before the court and provide their response.
The legal action comes amid an ongoing investigation into the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, which has been described as a fake government organisation.
Adeyemi has been linked to the controversy surrounding the organisation and had previously been declared wanted in connection with the investigation.
The House of Representatives is also investigating how the purported council was able to present itself as a government institution and become associated with the Federal Government’s budget despite questions over its legal status.
The court’s latest order only deals with Adeyemi’s access to legal representation. His other requests, including bail, release from detention, medical care and restrictions on questioning without a lawyer present, remain pending until the respondents have been heard.
The outcome of the September 9 proceedings will determine whether the court grants any of the additional reliefs being sought by Adeyemi.