The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has secured the release of Stanley Ugagbe, a reporter with Secret Reporters, from police custody.
Ugagbe was released on bail on Monday evening to IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed, following negotiations led by the institute, according to IPI Nigeria Legal Adviser Tobi Soniyi.
The journalist was arrested on July 1 at his Jikwoyi Phase II residence in Abuja by four armed men in civilian clothing. Efforts by IPI Nigeria to locate him led to the discovery that he was being held at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
Soniyi said police investigations into allegations of espionage, cyberstalking and computer-related offences against Ugagbe are ongoing despite his release. IPI Nigeria added that it will continue to monitor the case.
Fejiro Oliver, Editor-in-Chief of Secret Reporters, said the arrest could be connected to Ugagbe’s recent investigative reports involving Emem Usoro, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. No government agency has officially stated the reason for the arrest.
Oliver noted that the circumstances surrounding the arrest raise concerns about press freedom, the safety of journalists and the protection of constitutional rights.
