By Abigail David
The controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council (PFIPC) intensified on Monday following claims that police operatives arrested the father of Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi, the central figure in an ongoing forgery investigation linked to the purported council.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana alleged that officers stormed the Ogbomoso residence of Adeniyi’s family and arrested his father, as well as a family friend who was visiting the home.
Speaking in a telephone interview, Falana questioned the legality of the action, arguing that the suspect had already indicated his willingness to appear before the court.
“Police have now stormed the house of the parents of Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi in Ogbomoso. The father has been arrested. There is no legal basis for substituted arrests. The young man has promised to show up in court, so why arrest his father?” Falana said.
Residents of the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also claimed that police officers arrived at the residence in multiple vehicles before taking the elderly man away. One neighbour alleged that the suspect’s mother was left distressed after the operation, while another claimed that a visiting family friend was also arrested.
The reported arrests could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report, and the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official statement on the alleged operation.
The PFIPC controversy has drawn national attention following allegations that the council was never legally constituted despite claims that it operated under the Presidency.
Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi is facing criminal charges bordering on alleged forgery, impersonation and related offences. The matter is before the court, while police investigations continue.
Falana has repeatedly maintained that the allegations should be resolved through due process, insisting that only the courts have the constitutional authority to determine criminal liability. He has also cautioned against actions that could create the impression of intimidation or interference while the case remains before the judiciary.
