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IG orders sanction of officer over FIJ journalist’s arrest
IGP Orders Sanction of Police Unit Head Over Arrest of FIJ Reporter
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate sanction of the head of a police unit linked to the controversial arrest of Sodeeq Atanda, a senior reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).
The directive followed widespread public outrage over the detention of the journalist’s wife and their nine-month-old child, who were allegedly used as bait to lure him into police custody, raising serious concerns about press freedom and police conduct in Nigeria.
How the Arrest Unfolded
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday in Ikorodu, Lagos State, when officers attached to the IGP Monitoring Unit detained Atanda’s wife, Adenike, and their infant child at a private location.
According to FIJ, the officers compelled Adenike to call her husband under the guise that their baby was ill and urgently needed medical attention. When Atanda arrived at the scene, he was allegedly handcuffed and taken to the Force Headquarters in Obalende, Lagos.
FIJ Confirms Arrest and Release
The founder and editor-in-chief of FIJ, Fisayo Soyombo, confirmed the arrest and subsequent release of the journalist on X, stating that the detention was connected to an investigative report authored by Atanda.
Atanda was released shortly before midnight on Monday alongside his wife and child, a development that intensified public criticism of the police and renewed debates about the safety of journalists in Nigeria.
Sowore Condemns Police Tactics
Human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, strongly criticised the police operation, describing it as “deeply disturbing.” He accused the Nigeria Police Force under Egbetokun of collaborating with private interests to abduct civilians and undermine the rule of law.
Sowore warned that such actions highlight systemic issues within the force and could further erode public trust if left unchecked.
Police Responds, Defends IGP
Responding to the backlash, Police Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the IGP was unaware of the arrest until he was contacted by the International Press Institute (IPI).
Hundeyin disclosed that Egbetokun was “miffed” upon learning of the incident and immediately ordered the release of the journalist after being briefed by IPI’s Mojeed Musikilu.
“He directed that the head of the unit be contacted to release the journalist immediately. I updated Mojeed accordingly,” Hundeyin stated, adding that the officer in charge of the unit was sanctioned for the misconduct.
IGP Reaffirms Support for Press Freedom
According to Hundeyin, the IGP was particularly angered by the timing of the incident, noting that the police had recently pledged to take concrete steps to strengthen press freedom in Nigeria.
“IGP Egbetokun does not want and would not condone any setback to our support for press freedom,” the police spokesperson said.
Reason Behind the Arrest
Meanwhile, FIJ revealed that Atanda’s arrest was linked to an investigative report detailing how Adeyemi Awoyinfa, the Chief Executive Officer of Legend Adex Immigration Consult, allegedly refused to refund £15,000 collected in November 2023 from a UK-based Nigerian.
The report claimed the money was paid for two Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for family friends, which were never delivered despite full payment.
Public Concern Grows
The incident has reignited national debate on police accountability, abuse of power, and the safety of investigative journalists in Nigeria, with civil society groups calling for stricter oversight of law enforcement operations.
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