HURIWA Accuses Reps Panel Of Prejudging PFIPC Probe

HURIWA accuses Reps panel of prejudging PFIPC probe

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria HURIWA has accused the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) of prejudging issues already before the courts, warning that its conduct could undermine the rule of law and public confidence in legislative oversight. In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group alleged that the committee had created the impression that conclusions had already been reached before all parties were given the opportunity to present their cases. HURIWA described the panel’s proceedings as a “carefully choreographed political spectacle” rather than a genuine legislative oversight exercise. The organisation criticised the committee for reportedly dismissing the appointment letter of the principal suspect, Adeyemi, as fake and making pronouncements on the authenticity of documents while judicial proceedings on the matter remain pending. It argued that such actions amounted to legislative overreach capable of influencing public perception before the courts deliver judgment. HURIWA also faulted the continued detention of Adeyemi, saying his inability to appear before the committee denied him the constitutional right to defend himself against allegations made in public. The group maintained that justice could not be served in the absence of the central figure in the controversy and urged the Nigeria Police Force to comply with lawful processes that guarantee his right to a fair hearing. The rights group further questioned why the investigation appeared focused on a single individual despite allegations that several government ministries, departments and agencies processed the disputed documents. It warned against reducing the probe to what it described as an attempt to identify a lone scapegoat while broader institutional failures escaped proper scrutiny. HURIWA called on the House of Representatives to refrain from making further public pronouncements that could prejudice ongoing judicial proceedings and allow the courts to determine the issues independently. It insisted that the credibility of the investigation would depend on whether it is conducted transparently, impartially and in accordance with constitutional provisions. Meanwhile, President and Convener of the Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, Ogaku Dominic, cautioned against concluding the parliamentary investigation without hearing from all individuals linked to the controversy. He argued that excluding key actors from the process would politicise the probe and weaken public confidence in its outcome, stressing that Nigerians deserve to hear directly from those accused before any conclusions are reached.