I believe that if your IFA friend knew that you were entitled to an 'early' pension and intended to draw it then you may have been mis-sold. Not a big problem, just write to the financial institution concerned and let them know your concerns (in a slightly miffed tone) and they are duty bound to investigate the matter and cough up your dough at a rate of (about) 12% pa accrued interest should you be correct.
Your IFA should have sat down with you and ascertained all your financial details including your intentions for the next 10 or so years. You should have signed this document and he should have given you a copy. If this did not hapen then things are already beginnig to look bright for you, if it did then you will probably have all the evidence you need to hand.
I forget the name of the regulatory bodies involved but the Motley Fool website would be a good place to find out more.