December 22, 2025
News | SUNTV Global Channel
The Lagos State Police Command has reportedly arrested Adenike Atanda, the wife of investigative journalist Sodeeq Atanda of the Foundation for Journalism (FIJ), alongside their nine-month-old baby, in an incident that has sparked widespread concern over press freedom and abuse of police power.
According to FIJ, the arrest occurred on Monday evening in the Owutu area of Ikorodu, Lagos, after police officers allegedly tracked the journalist’s family to their neighbourhood.
In a statement confirming the development, FIJ disclosed that officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) took Adenike Atanda and her infant into custody, despite the fact that neither of them is a journalist nor known to be linked to any criminal activity.
“Atanda’s wife and baby were arrested by men of the Nigeria Police Force in Owutu, Ikorodu, on Monday evening after officers tracked them to their neighbourhood,” FIJ stated.
The organisation further noted that, as of the time of filing this report, it had not been informed of any offence committed by Adenike Atanda or her nine-month-old child.
“Neither Adenike nor her baby is a journalist. FIJ is yet to ascertain their alleged crime,” the group added.
The arrest has raised serious questions about the use of family members as leverage against journalists, particularly those involved in investigative reporting on governance, corruption, and public accountability.
Rights advocates and media observers have warned that such actions, if confirmed, represent a dangerous escalation in intimidation tactics against journalists and a violation of fundamental human rights, including the rights of women and children.
As of press time, the Lagos State Police Command had not issued an official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more details emerge.
