By, Editor

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has expressed serious concern over the reported arrest and detention of the father of Mr. Adeniyi Adeyemi in connection with allegations involving the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, and Presidential Economic Advisory Council.

The Presidency has publicly described the PFIPC as a ‘fictitious’ entity, even as reports indicate that the body received an allocation of over ₦1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

In a statement on Wednesday, the group said the arrest violates constitutional provisions and international law.

Citing Section 36 and Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the statement noted that criminal responsibility is personal and no individual should be punished for an offence allegedly committed by another person. Section 35(8) also guarantees the right to personal liberty.

The group further argued that the reported detention breaches Nigeria’s obligations under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention.

It referenced the United Nations Human Rights Committee position that deprivation of liberty must not be arbitrary or used for intimidation or coercion.

“If the reports are accurate, the authorities should immediately and unconditionally release Mr. Adeyemi’s father, unless there is admissible evidence that he personally committed a recognizable criminal offence,” the statement said. “The rule of law demands individual criminal responsibility, not guilt by association.”

The statement also called on the National Assembly to invoke its powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution to investigate how a purportedly non-existent agency was included in the 2026 budget and allocated public funds.

It urged lawmakers to determine whether any public officials abused their office, failed in their duties, or aided any illegality.

In addition, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, were urged to carry out thorough, independent, and impartial investigations into the alleged budgetary allocation.

Meanwhile, the group said both agencies should identify and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.

“Accountability requires uncovering not only the actions of individuals outside government but also any official complicity that may have enabled the alleged misuse of public institutions and public funds,” the statement added.