PFIPC Scandal: Judge returns Adeyemi’s rights enforcement suit for reassignment

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has returned the case file of detained self-styled Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi, to the Chief Judge for reassignment, according to a report by Daily Post.

The court declined to proceed with Adeyemi’s fundamental rights suit on Thursday, ruling that the 72-hour period given to respondents to show cause had not yet expired.

Adeyemi’s counsel, Muhammad Abdulaziz, argued respondents had been duly served, but counsel for the Attorney General and other respondents were absent. Justice Egwuatu questioned the timing and competence of the service, stating: “Well, in any case, the 72 hours has not expired… You know the urgency of your matter, you are the one to do the needful.”

The court had earlier ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the AGF to show cause on Adeyemi’s remaining reliefs, having already granted him access to lawyers.

Adeyemi, arrested in July, faces an eight-count charge over forgery and impersonation, with the Presidency disowning PFIPC as “fake.” He is due for arraignment on September 30.