Elder Adeniyi Adetunji, father of the embattled Adeniyi Adeyemi, has broken his silence following his arrest by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations that his son impersonated the director general of a non-existent government agency. In an interview with BBC Yoruba, the elder expressed profound shock and melancholy over the situation, stating that he has been uncomfortable since learning of the allegations.
Police Disruption at Family Home
According to Adetunji, police officers invaded his compound by jumping over the fence, disrupting the security of his residence. He recounted that when he opened the gate, officers rushed in without explanation. The police conducted a search and left around 1 p.m., only to return at 2:30 p.m. the same day. The following day, they came again searching for his son.
Adetunji stated that he was unaware of his son's activities. He told police that Adeniyi Adeyemi worked for the government in Abuja, though he did not know the specific nature of the work. He described his son as not a troublesome person.
Background of the Allegations
Adeniyi Adeyemi has been accused of impersonating the director general of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), both of which the presidency has confirmed do not exist. For months, Adeyemi paraded himself as the DG, with photos alongside prominent figures circulating online. The presidency denied giving him any appointment, and a lawsuit has been filed against him.
Adeyemi previously accused Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, and other senior officials of demanding bribes and frustrating his activities.
Father's Account of Son's Whereabouts
Adetunji disclosed that Adeyemi visited him a week before the police search. When police asked why he did not know his son's exact location, he explained that his son resides in Abuja. The elder expressed continued distress over the unfolding events.
The Nigeria Police have since released Adetunji after interrogation. Meanwhile, a group called CTAG has demanded the immediate investigation and arrest of Adeniyi Adeyemi for impersonation and misinformation, citing public trust concerns and the need for accountability.
