Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the arrest of the father of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi over allegations linked to the controversial Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council, PFIPC.
Atiku, through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, described the arrest as an abuse of power and a violation of the rule of law, arguing that Nigerian law does not recognise substituted arrest.
Reports say police operatives arrested Adeyemi’s father during a raid on the family residence in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, while searching for his son over allegations surrounding the purported PFIPC.
Atiku questioned why security agencies would arrest a suspect’s relative instead of pursuing the individual directly, insisting that anyone accused of wrongdoing should be investigated and prosecuted based on evidence.
He said the action could undermine public confidence in law enforcement institutions and called for the immediate release of Adeyemi’s father.
Meanwhile, senior human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, also faulted the police action, stating that arresting family members of a suspect is not recognised under Nigerian law.
Falana urged the authorities to focus investigations on the person accused of wrongdoing and ensure that all actions taken comply with constitutional rights.
The controversy surrounding the PFIPC began after the Presidency denied the existence of the council, following claims by Adeniyi Adeyemi that he was its Director-General.
The Federal Government has since said investigations are ongoing into allegations of impersonation, forgery and other related offences connected to the purported agency.
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