Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has withdrawn from the legal team representing Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the embattled figure at the centre of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) controversy.
Falana confirmed his decision in a brief interview on Tuesday, stating simply: “I have withdrawn from the Adeyemi case.” He did not disclose the reasons behind his decision.
However, sources familiar with the matter claimed that Falana had accepted the case on a pro bono basis and advised Adeyemi to refrain from granting media interviews while investigations and court proceedings were ongoing. The sources alleged that tensions arose after Adeyemi reportedly ignored the advice by participating in an Instagram Live interview and later indicated he would not appear in court for his scheduled arraignment. These claims have not been independently confirmed by Falana or Adeyemi.
Falana’s withdrawal marks a significant development in the PFIPC saga, which has attracted national attention following allegations of forgery, impersonation, and conspiracy against Adeyemi. He has denied the allegations.
Before stepping away from the case, Falana had publicly criticised the Nigeria Police over the handling of the investigation, particularly the questioning of Adeyemi’s elderly father, arguing that constitutional safeguards should have been observed.
The case remains before the Federal High Court as investigations into the controversial PFIPC continue.
