The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has mandated disciplinary action against the head of a police unit involved in the contentious detention of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) reporter, Sodeeq Atanda. This move follows widespread condemnation of the police's methods, which included detaining the journalist's family to lure him.
Controversial Arrest Sparks Outrage
The incident unfolded on Monday, 23 December 2025, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. Officers from the IGP Monitoring Unit allegedly took Atanda's wife, Adenike, and their nine-month-old child into custody. According to FIJ's account, Adenike was forced to call her husband under the false pretence that their child was sick and needed urgent hospital care.
When Sodeeq Atanda arrived at the scene, he was immediately handcuffed and transported to the Force Headquarters in Obalende, Lagos. The journalist's arrest is believed to be directly connected to an investigative report he authored.
Swift Release and Official Reactions
FIJ founder and editor-in-chief, Fisayo Soyombo, confirmed that Atanda and his family were released shortly before midnight on the same Monday. The episode triggered sharp criticism from media stakeholders and activists across Nigeria.
Publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the police tactics as "deeply disturbing," accusing the force of colluding with private interests to abduct civilians. He warned that such actions exemplify systemic problems within the Nigeria Police Force and risk destroying public trust.
Police Defence and IGP's Directive
In response, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, provided the police's perspective. He stated that IGP Egbetokun was "miffed" when he learned about the arrest through the International Press Institute (IPI).
"He directed that the head of the unit be contacted to release the journalist immediately. I updated Mojeed Musikilu of the IPI accordingly," Hundeyin said.
He further clarified that the IGP not only ordered Atanda's immediate release but also sanctioned the unit head for his conduct. "The IGP was particularly angry that this came up at a time when the Police had pledged and are taking tangible steps to ensure press freedom. He equally ordered that the head of that unit be sanctioned," Hundeyin emphasized, adding that the IGP does not condone any setback to the force's support for a free press.
Link to Investigative Report
FIJ has connected the arrest to Atanda's investigation into Adeyemi Awoyinfa, the CEO of Legend Adex Immigration Consult. The report alleged that Awoyinfa failed to deliver two certificates of sponsorship (CoS) after collecting £15,000 from a UK-based Nigerian client in November 2023.
This case has reignited crucial conversations about the safety of journalists, police accountability, and the state of press freedom in Africa's most populous nation.
