IPI Nigeria Secures Release of Journalist Stanley Ugagbe from Police Custody
The Nigeria chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has secured the release of journalist Stanley Ugagbe, a reporter with Secret Reporters, following sustained engagement with the Nigeria Police Force over his detention.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Legal Adviser of IPI Nigeria, Tobi Soniyi, the institute disclosed that Ugagbe was released to its President, Musikilu Mojeed, at about 7:30 p.m. after being granted bail.
Despite his release, IPI Nigeria said police investigations into allegations of espionage, cyberstalking and other computer-related offences against the journalist are still ongoing.
According to the institute, Ugagbe was arrested at his residence in Abuja last Wednesday by security operatives.
The organisation explained that immediately it received reports of the arrest, it launched efforts to ascertain the journalist’s whereabouts and identify the security agency responsible for his detention.
Its inquiries later confirmed that Ugagbe was being held at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
IPI Nigeria said its leadership subsequently engaged the Police Headquarters and, after sustained representations and intensive negotiations, secured the journalist’s release.
The institute expressed appreciation to the police authorities for their cooperation in facilitating Ugagbe’s release and pledged to continue monitoring the case as investigations progress.
Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom, IPI Nigeria said it would continue to defend the rights and safety of journalists while ensuring that media professionals are able to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation or unlawful interference.
