The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Nigeria Police Force to grant Adeniyi Adeyemi unrestricted access to lawyers of his choice while he remains in custody.
Adeyemi is linked to the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order on Thursday while ruling on an ex parte application filed by Adeyemi through his counsel, M.B. Abdulazeez, as part of a fundamental rights enforcement suit.
The judge directed that Adeyemi be allowed to have access to legal practitioners of his choice at all reasonable hours throughout the period of his detention.
Adeyemi had sought several other orders from the court, including his release from detention, the granting of bail and access to medical care from healthcare professionals of his choice.
His legal team also asked the court to prevent the respondents, as well as their officers and agents, from interrogating Adeyemi or compelling him to make, adopt or sign any statement unless a lawyer of his choice was present.
However, Justice Egwuatu declined to grant the additional reliefs at the ex parte stage, ruling that the respondents should first be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations and requests before the court.
The judge subsequently directed the AGF and the police to appear within 72 hours to show cause why the remaining reliefs sought by Adeyemi should not be granted.
The case has been adjourned until September 9, when the respondents are expected to show cause before the court.
