The Nigeria Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has announced the release of Stanley Ugagbe, a reporter with Secret Reporters, from police custody following the Institute's intervention. Ugagbe was handed over to IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday, 6 July 2026. Although granted bail, police investigations into allegations of espionage, cyberstalking, and computer-related offences are ongoing.
Arrest and Detention Details
Ugagbe was reportedly arrested from his residence in Abuja last Wednesday by security operatives. Upon receiving reports of his arrest, IPI Nigeria immediately began efforts to establish his whereabouts and identify the security agency responsible for his detention. Through enquiries and engagements with relevant authorities, it was confirmed that he was being held at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
IPI Nigeria's Intervention and Release
The leadership of IPI Nigeria engaged the Police Headquarters and, after sustained representations and intensive negotiations, secured Ugagbe's release. IPI Nigeria expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the police authorities in facilitating his release and stated it will continue to monitor the case closely. The Institute remains committed to defending press freedom, promoting the safety of journalists, and ensuring that media professionals can carry out their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation or unlawful interference.
According to Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser of IPI Nigeria, the Institute's swift action was crucial in securing Ugagbe's freedom. The case highlights ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria, where allegations of cyberstalking and espionage are sometimes used to detain media practitioners.
