July 7 (THEWILL) — Detained Secret Reporters journalist, Stanley Ugagbe, has been released from police custody following the intervention of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria).
IPI Nigeria announced the development in a statement issued on Monday by its Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, saying Ugagbe was released at about 7:30 p.m. into the custody of the institute’s President, Musikilu Mojeed.
According to the statement, although the journalist has been granted bail, police investigations into allegations of espionage, cyberstalking, and other computer-related offences are continuing.
Soniyi disclosed that Ugagbe was arrested at his Abuja residence last Wednesday by security operatives, prompting IPI Nigeria to immediately begin efforts to determine his whereabouts and identify the agency responsible for his detention.
He said the institute’s enquiries and engagements with relevant authorities later confirmed that the journalist was being held at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
The statement noted that the leadership of IPI Nigeria subsequently engaged the police authorities and, after sustained representations and intensive negotiations, secured Ugagbe’s release.
“Ugagbe was released to the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday,” the statement said.
IPI Nigeria commended the Nigeria Police Force for its cooperation in facilitating the journalist’s release and pledged to continue monitoring the case as investigations progress.
The institute 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, harassment, or unlawful interference.
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