Father of alleged fake presidency agency boss breaks silence after police detention

The father of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, the man standing trial over an alleged fake presidency agency fraud, has defended his son, describing him as “soft-hearted” and well-behaved while expressing shock over the allegations against him.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Yoruba after his release from police custody, Elder Adetunji Adeniyi said he was deeply saddened by the accusations levelled against his son and insisted he had no knowledge of the activities for which he is being prosecuted.

The elderly man was detained on Monday after police operatives visited his residence in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, while searching for his son, who is facing an eight-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged fraud and impersonation.

“My child is soft-hearted and well-behaved. He is not troublesome, and I never imagined he could be involved in such allegations,” Elder Adeniyi said.

“I am not physically fit, and all the rumours I have been hearing are making me unhappy. I was completely surprised by the accusations.”

He said investigators questioned him about his son’s occupation and whereabouts, but maintained that he only knew his son worked for the government in Abuja.

“They asked me where my son works. I told them I do not know exactly, but he always said he worked with the government in Abuja. I have never visited his office,” he said.

The detention of the suspect’s father sparked criticism from human rights advocates and legal practitioners, who questioned the legality of holding a family member during the search for a suspect.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, who is representing Prince Adeyemi, condemned the action, arguing that detaining an elderly relative to compel a suspect to surrender violates the provisions of the Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), and the Nigeria Police Act.

Following public criticism, police authorities clarified that the elderly man was not formally arrested but was invited to assist investigators before being allowed to return home after making a statement.

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew is accused of operating a fictitious government agency known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, which investigators allege was falsely presented as a federal government body.

According to investigators, the suspect allegedly used forged appointment letters, fake government documents, official seals and fabricated reference numbers to establish an office at the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, where he reportedly held meetings with diplomats, business executives and government officials.

The alleged operation was uncovered after the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President raised concerns over the agency’s activities, prompting a federal investigation.

The case is currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the prosecution has begun presenting witnesses as the trial continues.