PFIPC Scandal: Falana Condemns Police Invitation of Adeyemi’s Father, Calls Action Unwarranted

Spread the love

The legal battle surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) has taken another turn after prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) criticised the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over its handling of the father of Adeniyi Adeyemi.

According to economic daily news updates by GNN , the senior advocate argued that involving the elderly man in the investigation by taking him to a police facility was unnecessary and inconsistent with established legal principles. His remarks come as Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the disputed PFIPC, continues to face criminal proceedings over allegations of forgery and impersonation.

Falana Questions Police Procedure

Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Femi Falana expressed concern over reports that Adeyemi’s father had been taken in by police officers.

According to Gossip News Now, the respected lawyer insisted that such an action lacked constitutional and legal justification, citing provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, and the Nigeria Police Act.

He maintained that elderly citizens should not be subjected to investigative procedures that could reasonably be conducted in a less intrusive manner.

Police Clarify the Circumstances

While initially criticising what was reported as an arrest, Falana later disclosed that police authorities in Abuja contacted him to explain the situation.

According to the information he received, officers stated that Adeyemi’s father had not been arrested but was merely invited to assist investigators by helping them identify a specific location connected to their inquiries.

The police also explained that the elderly man voluntarily provided a statement during the exercise before being allowed to leave without any further restriction.

Lawyer Says Home Visit Would Have Been More Appropriate

Despite the clarification, Falana maintained that investigators could have handled the situation differently.

He argued that if officers genuinely required assistance from Adeyemi’s father, they should have visited him at his residence rather than asking him to report to a police station.

The senior advocate expressed hope that law enforcement agencies would adopt a more considerate approach in similar situations involving elderly individuals during future investigations.

PFIPC Case Remains Before the Court

The controversy surrounding the PFIPC remains under intense public scrutiny after the Presidency formally distanced itself from the organisation, stating that it has no legal recognition under the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, Adeniyi Adeyemi continues to stand trial over allegations bordering on forgery, impersonation and related offences connected to the disputed council. The court is expected to determine the validity of the charges based on evidence presented during the proceedings.

Analysis: Rights of Relatives Also Matter During Criminal Investigations

The latest development has shifted attention beyond the allegations against Adeyemi to broader questions about investigative procedures and the protection of citizens’ rights.

Legal observers note that while law enforcement agencies have the responsibility to gather evidence, investigations should also respect constitutional safeguards, particularly when dealing with individuals who are not accused of any offence.

As the PFIPC case progresses, the debate is likely to continue over how authorities can balance effective criminal investigations with the protection of fundamental human rights and due process.