Step Rights Magazine Pralarg Magazine
By Step Rights Magazine
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has condemned the alleged arrest of the father of Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, describing the action as unconstitutional if the reports are accurate.
In a press statement issued on 6 July 2026, the human rights organisation said the reported arrest amounted to a prohibited practice known as “substituted arrest”—the detention of a relative or associate in place of a suspect sought by law enforcement authorities.
According to CDHR, such a practice has no place in a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law.
The organisation stated that the alleged arrest, if confirmed, would violate several domestic and international legal instruments, including the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Constitutional and Legal Concerns
CDHR noted that Section 35(1) of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every person’s right to personal liberty except in circumstances permitted by law, while Section 36(5) upholds the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.
The organisation further cited Section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which expressly provides that “a person shall not be arrested in place of a suspect.”
According to CDHR, criminal responsibility is personal and cannot lawfully be transferred to family members or associates.
The organisation also referenced Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Articles 3 and 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all of which protect individuals against arbitrary arrest and detention.
Claim That the Suspect Was Willing to Report
CDHR said it was particularly disturbed by reports indicating that Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi had allegedly expressed willingness to present himself before the appropriate authorities.
“If that is indeed the case,” the statement said, “there could be no lawful or rational justification for arresting his elderly father or any other family member.”
The organisation warned that law enforcement agencies must not resort to intimidation, coercion, or collective punishment in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
Call to the Inspector-General of Police
The rights group urged the Inspector-General of Police to order the immediate and unconditional release of Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi’s father and any other individuals allegedly detained in connection with the matter, unless credible evidence exists linking them personally to the commission of a recognised criminal offence.
CDHR also appealed to the police leadership to ensure that officers operate strictly within constitutional and statutory limits, stressing that any departure from due process weakens public confidence in the criminal justice system.
“The office of the Inspector-General carries enormous constitutional responsibility,” the organisation stated, adding that the public expects the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold professionalism, impartiality, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.
Rights Group Vows Further Action
CDHR said it would continue to monitor developments closely and would not hesitate to pursue available constitutional, judicial, and international human rights mechanisms should the reported unlawful detention continue.
The organisation concluded by reiterating that no individual should lose his or her liberty because of the alleged actions of another person.
Step Rights Legal Insight
Substituted arrest is expressly prohibited under Section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which states that no person shall be arrested in place of a suspect. Nigerian courts have consistently affirmed that criminal liability is personal, and any arrest or detention must be based on reasonable suspicion against the individual being detained. Where allegations of substituted arrest arise, law enforcement agencies are expected to investigate only those against whom there is credible evidence while respecting constitutional guarantees of liberty and due process.
Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, Step Rights Magazine has not independently verified the allegations contained in the CDHR statement. The publication reflects the position of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights as presented in its official press release. The Nigeria Police Force had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of writing.