- Safiu Kehinde
Detained Nigerian journalist, Stanley Ugagbe, has regained his freedom following the intervention of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria).
Ugagbe, a reporter with Secret Reporters, an online news platform, was reportedly released from police custody and handed over to the IPI Nigeria’s President, Musikilu Mojeed, on Monday.
According to a statement signed by the institute’s Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi in Abuja, Ugagbe was released to Musikilu at approximately 7:30 p.m. yesterday.
“The Nigeria Committee of the IPI Nigeria is pleased to announce that Stanley Ugagbe, a reporter with Secret Reporters, an online news platform, has been released from police custody following the Institute’s intervention.
“Ugagbe was released to the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday,” Soniyi said in the statement.
He added that, although Ugagbe had been granted bail, police investigations into allegations of espionage, cyberstalking and computer-related offences were said to be continuing.
“Ugagbe was reportedly arrested from his residence in Abuja last Wednesday by security operatives.
“Immediately IPI Nigeria received reports of his arrest, the institute commenced efforts to establish his whereabouts and the security agency responsible for his detention.
“Following enquiries and engagements with relevant authorities, it was confirmed that he was being held at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, Abuja,” he said
Soniyi said the leadership of IPI Nigeria subsequently engaged the police headquarters and, after sustained representations and intensive negotiations, secured Mr 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,” he said.