By Crystal Ugoeze
The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has condemned the arrest and detention of a journalist’s wife, Mrs Adenike Atanda, and her nine-month-old baby by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, describing the action as unlawful and a grave abuse of power.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, IPI Nigeria said Mrs Atanda was arrested on Monday at Owutu Police Station in Ikorodu, Lagos State, in place of her husband, Mr Sodeeq Atanda, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), who was not at home at the time.
According to the organisation, neither Mrs Atanda nor her infant is a journalist, a suspect, or accused of any offence, stressing that their arrest amounted to an illegal arrest by proxy, contrary to Section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and Section 36 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.
IPI Nigeria further alleged that Mrs Atanda was subjected to harassment and psychological pressure during her detention, while police officers reportedly attempted to coerce her into falsely informing her husband that their baby was gravely ill in order to lure him out.
The organisation described the incident as a disturbing violation of press freedom, noting that the officers involved were attached to the IGP Monitoring Unit—barely weeks after the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, was listed in IPI Nigeria’s “Book of Infamy” for violations of press freedom.
IPI Nigeria recalled that following the listing, the Inspector-General had initiated engagements with the institute and mandated the IGP Monitoring Unit to address concerns over harassment of journalists nationwide, describing it as ironic that the same unit allegedly carried out the violation.
In protest, IPI Nigeria announced the suspension of all engagements with the Nigeria Police Force until there is clear evidence of accountability, respect for the rule of law, and an end to hostility towards journalists.
Mrs Atanda and her baby were reportedly released only after Mr Atanda presented himself to the police. He was subsequently arrested and detained but later released following the intervention of IPI Nigeria.
The organisation demanded a public apology to Mrs Atanda and her baby, adequate compensation for their unlawful arrest and detention, and the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of all officers involved. It also called for the dismissal of the officers as a deterrent to future abuses.
IPI Nigeria further urged that Mr Atanda be allowed to carry out his legitimate journalistic duties without intimidation, warning the police against interfering in civil or commercial disputes meant for the courts.
The statement, signed by IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, called on the Inspector-General of Police to act decisively to address what it described as a culture of impunity within the Force and to demonstrate a genuine commitment to reform, accountability, and respect for press freedom.