IPC Condemns Arrest of Journalist’s Wife, Baby, Warns of Growing Threat to Press Freedom

IPC Condemns Arrest of Journalist’s Wife and Baby, Warns of Growing Threat to Press Freedom

IPC Condemns Arrest of Journalist’s Wife and Baby, Warns of Growing Threat to Press Freedom

Arrest Sparks Fresh Concerns Over Media Safety

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has condemned the arrest of Mrs Adenike Atanda, wife of investigative journalist Sodeeq Atanda, alongside her nine-month-old baby by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to IPC, the incident occurred on Monday, December 22, 2025, in the Owutu area of Ikorodu, Lagos State. At the time, police officers tracked the family to their neighbourhood and arrested the mother and child.

As a result, IPC described the action as unlawful and alarming. Consequently, the organisation warned that such conduct poses a serious threat to press freedom in Nigeria.

Police Allegedly Used Family to Lure Journalists.

According to information from IPC’s Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, police officers allegedly used the journalist’s family as bait.

Specifically, officers detained Mrs Atanda and her baby for more than five hours at the Owutu Police Station. During the detention, officers allegedly forced her to place a call to her husband.

Furthermore, IPC stated that the officers instructed her to falsely claim that her baby was critically ill and hospitalised. According to the organisation, the police intended to use the call to lure and arrest the journalist.

Journalist Previously Detained in Ekiti

Notably, IPC said this was not the first time Sodeeq Atanda had faced police harassment.

Earlier, on September 9, 2025, the Ekiti State Police Command detained the journalist for more than eight hours after he honoured a police invitation to Ado-Ekiti.

According to IPC, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, ordered the detention. Therefore, the organisation said the pattern raises serious concerns.

IPC Warns of Growing Pattern of Intimidation

Meanwhile, IPC warned that repeated actions against Atanda reflect a growing pattern of intimidation against journalists.

In addition, the organisation stated that targeting journalists’ families places innocent lives at risk. More importantly, it stressed that democracy cannot thrive where journalists work under fear and pressure.

IPC Director Recalls Dark Military Era

Reacting to the incident, IPC Executive Director Mr Lanre Arogundade compared the development to abuses during Nigeria’s military era.

For instance, he recalled how security agents under the Abacha regime arrested Mrs Ladi Olorunyomi and her infant son while placing a bounty on her husband, journalist Dapo Olorunyomi.

According to him, the latest incident mirrors that dark chapter in Nigeria’s history. Therefore, he said such actions have no place in a democratic society.

Police Urged to Uphold Constitutional Duties

Finally, the SPJ Hub reminded the Nigeria Police Force of its constitutional duty to protect lives and property.

In contrast, IPC stated that arresting journalists’ family members violates that responsibility. Accordingly, the organisation urged police authorities to end all forms of harassment against journalists and their families.

In conclusion, IPC also called for accountability for officers involved in the incident.