Journalist Ugagbe Released, Police Continue Espionage Probe
Dr. Nafisat Makinɗe, Abuja
Journalist Stanley Ugagbe has been released from police custody after spending several days in detention following the intervention of the Nigeria Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria).
Ugagbe, a reporter with Secrets Reporters, an online investigative news platform, was released on bail to IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday.
IPI Nigeria said police investigations into allegations of espionage, cyberstalking and computer related offences against the journalist are continuing.
According to the institute, Ugagbe was arrested by security operatives at his Abuja residence on July 1. After receiving reports of his arrest, IPI Nigeria said it began making enquiries to determine his whereabouts. The institute 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 Headquarters and secured the journalist’s release after sustained discussions with the authorities.
Before his whereabouts were confirmed, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council, condemned the arrest and called for his immediate release.
In a statement issued on July 3, the union said four armed men dressed in civilian clothing allegedly arrested Ugagbe shortly after he returned to his residence in Jikwoyi Phase II, Abuja, on July 1. It said the operatives seized his mobile phone and laptop before taking him away in an unmarked black Mitsubishi Pajero SUV.
The NUJ said it contacted several security agencies in an effort to establish where the journalist was being held, but none acknowledged having him in custody.
The union urged the relevant authorities to identify the operatives involved in the arrest, disclose the reasons for his detention, grant him access to his family and legal representatives, and either charge him before a court if there were lawful grounds or release him without further delay.
Following Ugagbe’s release, IPI Nigeria thanked the police authorities for their cooperation and said it would continue to monitor the case as the investigation progresses.
The institute also reiterated its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting the safety of journalists and ensuring media professionals can carry out their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation or unlawful interference.