IPI Nigeria Suspends Police Relations After ‘Brazen’ Arrest of Journalist’s Wife and Nine-Month-Old Baby
The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has announced a total suspension of all engagements with the Nigeria Police Force following the “egregious” arrest and detention of a journalist’s nursing wife and her nine-month-old infant.
Mrs. Adenike Atanda and her baby were detained for several hours on Monday at the Owutu Police Station in Ikorodu, Lagos.
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According to IPI Nigeria, the mother and child were used as “bait” to lure her husband, Mr. Sodeeq Atanda, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), who was not at home during the raid.
A Breach of the Law and “Arrest by Proxy”
IPI Nigeria described the incident as a clear case of “arrest by proxy,” which is strictly prohibited under Nigerian law.
The institute highlighted that the officers involved were attached to the IGP Monitoring Unit—the very unit the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, had recently mandated to engage with IPI Nigeria to improve media relations.
> “Their only ‘offence’ was their relationship to a journalist,” the statement read, adding that the infant was subjected to “needless trauma and distress”.
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Demands for Accountability and Compensation
The journalist, Mr. Sodeeq Atanda, was only able to secure his family’s release by surrendering himself to the police, where he was subsequently handcuffed and detained before IPI Nigeria’s intervention led to his release.
In a statement signed by Musikilu Mojeed (President) and Tobi Soniyi (Legal Adviser), IPI Nigeria issued a list of demands to the police leadership:
* Public Apology: A formal apology to Mrs. Atanda and her child.
* Financial Compensation: Adequate payment for the unlawful detention and psychological trauma.
* Disciplinary Action: The immediate arrest, prosecution, and dismissal of the officers involved.
Call for Reform Amid “Culture of Impunity”
IPI Nigeria observed with “grave concern” that the police force continues to shield officers who violate the law, thereby eroding public confidence.
The institute further warned the police to stop meddling in civil or commercial disputes that belong in a court of law and urged the IGP to “purge the Force of officers unfit to serve” to demonstrate a genuine commitment to reform.
By PRNigeria
