The Nigeria chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has secured the release of journalist Stanley Ugagbe from police custody following days of sustained engagement with security authorities.
Ugagbe, a reporter with The News Chronicle and online news platform Secret Reporters, was released into the custody of IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026.
Although he has been granted bail, police investigations into allegations bordering on espionage, cyberstalking and other computer-related offences are ongoing.
The journalist was reportedly arrested by security operatives at his Abuja residence last Wednesday, prompting IPI Nigeria to immediately intervene.
According to the institute, it swiftly launched efforts to ascertain Ugagbe’s whereabouts and identify the agency responsible for his detention. Its inquiries later confirmed that he was being held at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
Following sustained representations and high-level engagements with the Police Headquarters and other relevant authorities, IPI Nigeria successfully secured his release on bail.
The institute expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force for its cooperation in facilitating Ugagbe’s release, while noting that it would continue to closely monitor the case as investigations progress.
Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom, IPI Nigeria pledged to continue defending the rights and safety of journalists and to ensure media professionals are able to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation, harassment or unlawful interference.
