THE NIGERIA Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has announced the release of journalist Stanley Ugagbe from police custody following sustained engagements with the Nigeria Police Force over his detention.
In a statement issued on Monday, and signed by Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser to IPI Nigeria, the Institute disclosed that Ugagbe, a reporter with the online news platform, Secret Reporters, was released into the custody of the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026.
According to IPI Nigeria, although the journalist has been granted bail, police investigations into allegations of espionage, cyberstalking and computer-related offences are ongoing.
Ugagbe was reportedly arrested at his residence in Abuja last Wednesday by security operatives.
The Institute said that immediately it became aware of reports of his arrest, it initiated efforts to determine his whereabouts and identify the security agency responsible for his detention.
Its enquiries and engagements with relevant authorities later confirmed that the journalist was being held at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
Following the confirmation, the leadership of IPI Nigeria opened discussions with the Police Headquarters and undertook what it described as sustained representations and intensive negotiations that ultimately led to Ugagbe’s release.
IPI Nigeria expressed appreciation to the police authorities for their cooperation in facilitating the journalist’s release, while noting that it would continue to monitor developments in the matter.
The Institute reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and protecting journalists, stressing that media professionals must be able to perform their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation or unlawful interference.
