PFIPC scandal: Family members of criminal suspect can’t be arrested – Falana on Adeyemi’s father

Human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, SAN, has informed the Tinubu administration that it contravenes the constitution of the Federal Republic for an individual to be detained in place of a suspect.

This statement follows the lawyer’s earlier revelation that police had arrested the father of Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, PFIPC.

Adeyemi is the key individual in the current forgery investigation associated with the alleged council.

During an appearance on Arise News on Tuesday evening, Falana asserted that, within the realm of criminal justice, an individual should not be arrested in place of a suspect, criticizing the actions of law enforcement agencies.

“As far as the law is concerned, family members of a criminal suspect cannot be arrested in Nigeria.

“The reported arrest of Adeyemi’s father cannot be justified under the constitution, the administration of the criminal justice act, and the Nigerian police force establishment act,” he said.

In the meantime, President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to initiate a thorough investigation into the activities of the alleged PFIPC.

This directive was outlined in a statement released on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The statement indicated that the President has mandated the investigation to be completed and a detailed report submitted to him within 30 days.