The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered sanctions against a police unit head over the arrest of Sodeeq Atanda, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), following allegations that officers detained his wife and nine-month-old baby.
The incident was first reported by FIJ, which disclosed that its senior investigative reporter was arrested after his family was allegedly picked up by police in Lagos, triggering public outrage and calls for accountability.
Meanwhile, Atanda has been released by the police. He was arrested on Monday, handcuffed, and taken from Ikorodu to Obalende, Lagos. His release came late the same night, just minutes before midnight.
Activist Omoyele Sowore later lent his voice to the call for Atanda’s release, amplifying concerns over the alleged conduct of the officers involved.
Responding to the controversy, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the IGP was informed of the arrest after Mojeed Musikilu of the International Press Institute contacted him.
“Inasmuch as you might want your depiction of the IGP to be true, it isn’t,” Hundeyin said. “I was with him last night when Mojeed Musikilu of the International Press Institute reached out to me about the arrest. I promptly informed the IGP, and he was miffed.”
Hundeyin said Atanda’s wife and child had already been released before the IGP’s intervention.
He added that Egbetokun nonetheless ordered Atanda’s immediate release once he was briefed on the matter.
“He directed that the head of the unit, not a DPO as you claimed, be contacted to release the journalist immediately. I updated Mojeed accordingly,” Hundeyin stated.
Hundeyin said the police chief was angered that the incident occurred at a time when the force had pledged to uphold press freedom.
“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 said.
He disclosed that the IGP also ordered disciplinary action. “He equally ordered that the head of that unit be sanctioned for his conduct,” Hundeyin added.
When asked about the legality of arresting third parties in place of a suspect, Hundeyin said the police generally comply with the law but acknowledged lapses.
For every 12, there is one who would stray, he said, referencing a parable to suggest individual misconduct rather than institutional policy.
Hundeyin stressed that the IGP would not tolerate actions that undermine press freedom or erode public confidence in the police.