Stanley Ugagbe, a reporter with the online news platform Secret Reporters, has been released from police custody following the intervention of the Nigeria Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria).
Ugagbe, who was reportedly arrested by security operatives at his Abuja residence last Wednesday, regained his freedom on Monday after days in detention.
In a statement issued by its Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, IPI Nigeria said the journalist was released into the custody of the institute’s President, Musikilu Mojeed, at about 7:30 p.m. on July 6.
The organization explained that it immediately began efforts to trace Ugagbe after receiving reports of his arrest. Its inquiries later confirmed that he was being held at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
IPI Nigeria said it subsequently engaged the police leadership through sustained discussions and representations, which ultimately led to the journalist’s release.
Although Ugagbe has been granted bail, the police said investigations into allegations of espionage, cyberstalking and other computer-related offences are still ongoing.
The media rights organization commended the Nigeria Police Force for cooperating in securing the journalist’s release and pledged to continue monitoring the case as it develops.
The development has drawn renewed attention to concerns over press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Nigeria, with media stakeholders expected to closely follow the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
