The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force and the Attorney-General of the Federation to give Adeniyi Adeyemi unhindered access to legal practitioners of his choice.
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 counsel, M.B. Abdulazeez.
The judge ruled that Adeyemi, who is being held in connection with allegations surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, must be allowed to meet with his lawyers at reasonable times for as long as he remains in custody.
Adeyemi had approached the court seeking several orders, including his release from detention, bail and permission to receive medical attention from health professionals of his choice.
His lawyers also asked the court to prevent the authorities from questioning Adeyemi or compelling him to make or endorse any statement without his legal representative present.
However, Justice Egwuatu declined to grant the other requests at the preliminary stage, saying the respondents ought to be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
The court consequently ordered the AGF and the police to appear and explain within 72 hours why the remaining reliefs sought by Adeyemi should not be granted.
The matter was adjourned until September 9 for the respondents to show cause, while Adeyemi remains in custody over the allegations linked to the purported PFIPC scheme.