Journalist with Secret Reporters, Stanley Ugagbe, has regained his freedom after spending several days in police custody following the intervention of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria.
Ugagbe was released at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, and handed over to the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Legal Adviser of IPI Nigeria, Tobi Soniyi.
According to Soniyi, although the journalist has been granted bail, investigations by the Nigeria Police Force into allegations of espionage, cyberstalking and other computer-related offences are still ongoing.
> “Stanley Ugagbe was released to the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, at about 7.30 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026,” the statement said.
Ugagbe was reportedly arrested at his Abuja residence last Wednesday by security operatives, triggering concerns among media stakeholders over his whereabouts.
Following reports of the arrest, IPI Nigeria said it immediately began efforts to determine where the journalist was being held and which security agency was responsible for his detention.
The institute later established that Ugagbe was in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
IPI Nigeria disclosed that its leadership engaged with the Police Headquarters and made sustained representations that eventually led to the journalist’s release.
While expressing appreciation to the police authorities for their cooperation, the organisation noted that it would continue to follow developments in the case.
“IPI Nigeria appreciates the cooperation of the police authorities and will continue to monitor the case closely,” Soniyi stated.
The media body also reiterated its commitment to protecting journalists and safeguarding press freedom in the country.
“IPI Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting journalists’ safety and ensuring that media professionals carry out their constitutional duties without intimidation or unlawful interference,” the statement added.
