The Nigeria Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has secured the release of journalist Stanley Ugagbe, a reporter with Secret Reporters, following its intervention with the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Legal Adviser of IPI Nigeria, Tobi Soniyi, the organisation said Ugagbe was released from police custody at about 7:30 p.m. to the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed.
According to the statement, although the journalist has been granted bail, police investigations into allegations bordering on espionage, cyberstalking and computer-related offences are still ongoing.
IPI Nigeria disclosed that Ugagbe was reportedly arrested at his residence in Abuja last Wednesday by security operatives.
The institute said it immediately began efforts to determine his whereabouts and identify the security agency responsible for his detention after receiving reports of his arrest.
It added that its enquiries confirmed that Ugagbe was being held at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
The organisation said its leadership subsequently engaged the Police Headquarters and, after sustained representations and intensive negotiations, secured the journalist’s release.
IPI Nigeria commended the cooperation of the police authorities in facilitating Ugagbe’s release and pledged to continue monitoring the case.
The institute also reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting the safety of journalists and ensuring that media professionals are able to perform their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation or unlawful interference.
