A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed 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.
What the court ordered
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the access order while considering an application filed in a fundamental-rights enforcement suit. The directive requires legal practitioners chosen by Adeyemi to be allowed to see him at all reasonable hours.
Other requests remain open
The applicant also asked for bail, release from detention and access to medical care. The court did not grant those requests at the interim stage, holding that the respondents should first be heard.
Respondents given 72 hours
The judge gave the Attorney-General and police 72 hours to explain why the remaining reliefs should not be granted. The case was adjourned until September 9 for that response.
Why the ruling matters
Access to counsel is a central safeguard for a person in custody. The order means the legal process around the allegations linked to the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council will continue with the applicant able to consult his lawyers.
For more context, read our earlier Nigeria business update, the latest public-health report, our Abuja governance coverage, and recent domestic football coverage.
Conclusion
The next hearing will determine how the court treats the additional requests after the government respondents present their position.
