The International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria Chapter has secured the release of Stanley Ugagbe, a reporter with Secret Reporters, an online news platform from police custody following the institute’s intervention.
Penpushing reports that a statement by the Legal Adviser of the world body of journalists, Tobi Soniyi stated that Ugagbe was released to the President of the, Musikilu Mojeed, at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026.
The statement explained that, although the journalist has been granted bail, police investigations into allegations of espionage, cyberstalking and computer-related offences are said to be continuing.
Penpushing further reports that it would be recalled that Ugagbe was reportedly arrested from his residence in Abuja last Wednesday by security operatives, and immediately leadership of the International Press Institute(IPI) received reports of his arrest, the Institute commenced efforts to establish his whereabouts and determine the security agency responsible for his detention.
The statement stated that following enquiries and engagements with relevant authorities, it was confirmed that he was being held at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, Abuja, adding that the leadership of the institute subsequently engaged the police headquarters and, after sustained representations and intensive negotiations, secured Ugagbe’s release.
‘IPI Nigeria appreciates the cooperation of the police authorities in facilitating his release and 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’, Soniyi wrote
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