The legal battle surrounding the disputed Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has taken another turn, with the Federal High Court in Abuja ordering authorities to give detained Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi access to his lawyers.

However, the court stopped short of ordering his release, leaving his request for bail hanging until the police and the Attorney-General of the Federation respond to his fundamental rights suit.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in a ruling on Thursday, directed the Inspector-General of Police, the police and the AGF to allow Adeyemi access to his legal representatives.

The judge also ordered the respondents to explain within 72 hours why the other reliefs being sought by Adeyemi should not be granted.

Adeyemi, who has been in detention since his arrest in July, had approached the court seeking six separate orders to protect his rights while in custody.

Among his major requests was an order releasing him on bail pending the conclusion of investigations into the allegations against him.

He also asked to be allowed access to medical practitioners of his choice and sought protection from being interrogated or compelled to make statements without his lawyers present.

For now, the court has granted only the request concerning access to legal counsel.

The remaining issues, including his bail application and request for access to a doctor, will be considered after the police and the AGF respond to his suit.

The matter has been adjourned until September 9.

Adeyemi’s case has attracted considerable attention because of the wider controversy surrounding the alleged PFIPC, which the Presidency has described as a non-existent government agency.

Police allegations against him include forgery, fraud and impersonation. Investigators have accused him of allegedly using forged government documents, including purported official appointment letters, signatures, seals and the Nigerian Coat of Arms, to create the impression that the council was a legitimate federal institution.

The allegations became even more explosive after Adeyemi claimed that he paid N400 million through a proxy to President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to secure his appointment as DG of the disputed council.

Gbajabiamila has denied the allegations, while the authorities have continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged PFIPC and its inclusion in the 2026 budget.

Adeyemi, for his part, has denied that the council was non-existent and has called for an independent, multi-stakeholder investigation into the controversy.

He has also maintained that he was willing to provide documentary evidence to investigators.

The latest court ruling therefore does not settle the bigger PFIPC controversy. Instead, it opens another legal front: whether Adeyemi will remain in detention as investigations continue or eventually secure the freedom he is asking the court to grant him.

For now, one thing is clear — Adeyemi can see his lawyers, but he is not walking out of custody yet.