Stanley Ugagbe, a reporter with Secret Reporters, an online news platform, has been released from police custody.
The release followed the intervention of the International Press Institute, IPI Nigeria.
The Legal Adviser of IPI, Mr. Tobi Soniyi, made this known in Abuja on Monday in a press statement he issued.
According to him, Ugagbe was released to the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday.
His words: “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.”
He said although Ugagbe had been granted bail, police said its investigations into allegations of espionage, cyberstalking and computer-related offences were 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
The leadership of IPI Nigeria, Soniyi stated, subsequently engaged the police headquarters and, after sustained representations and intensive negotiations, secured Ugagbe’s release.
Soniyi stated further: “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.”
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