IPI Nigeria secures release of detained Secret Reporters journalist, Stanley Ugagbe
Stanley Ugagbe, a reporter with the online news platform Secret Reporters, has regained his freedom following the intervention of the Nigeria Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria).
Ugagbe was reportedly arrested by security operatives at his Abuja residence last Wednesday. He was released on Monday evening after days in custody.
According to a statement signed by IPI Nigeria’s Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, the journalist was released on bail to the leadership of the institute.
“Mr Ugagbe was released to the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, at approximately 7:30 pm on Monday, 6 July 2026,” the statement read.
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Upon learning of the arrest, IPI Nigeria launched immediate efforts to track Ugagbe’s whereabouts and identify the agency holding him. Enquiries eventually led them to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja.
The institute’s leadership subsequently engaged police headquarters in intensive negotiations, which ultimately paved the way for his release.
Despite securing his freedom, the legal battle is far from over. The police are continuing their investigations into serious allegations leveled against the journalist, including espionage, cyberstalking and computer-related offences
While expressing appreciation to the police authorities for facilitating the release, IPI Nigeria maintained that it will continue to monitor the development and the ongoing case closely.
