By Atoyebi Nike
The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has condemned the arrest and detention of Mrs. Adenike Atanda and her nine-month-old baby by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos.
In a statement, IPI Nigeria said Mrs. Atanda was detained for several hours on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Owutu Police Station, Ikorodu, in place of her husband, Mr. Sodeeq Atanda, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism.
The institute described the action as an unlawful arrest by proxy, noting that neither Mrs. Atanda nor her child is a journalist, suspect, or accused of any offense. It said the arrest violated provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Nigeria Police Act, which prohibit arrest in place of a suspect.
IPI Nigeria further alleged that officers subjected Mrs. Atanda to harassment and psychological pressure by attempting to use her and the baby to lure her husband to the station.
Describing the incident as particularly disturbing, the institute said the officers involved were attached to the IGP Monitoring Unit, a development it called ironic given recent police commitments to improving media relations.
In protest, IPI Nigeria announced the suspension of all engagements with the Nigeria Police Force until there is accountability and an end to harassment of journalists.
The organization demanded a public apology, compensation for Mrs. Atanda and her child, prosecution and dismissal of the officers involved, and assurances that Mr. Atanda can carry out his journalistic duties without intimidation.
