The Nigeria Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has secured the release of journalist Stanley Ugagbe, a reporter with Secret Reporters, following its intervention with the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement issued on Monday, IPI Nigeria confirmed that Ugagbe was released from police custody at about 7:30 p.m.and handed over to the Institute’s President, Musikilu Mojeed.
Although the journalist has been granted bail, police said investigations into allegations of espionage, cyberstalking, and computer-related offences are still ongoing.
Ugagbe was reportedly arrested at his residence in Abuja last Wednesday by security operatives.
According to IPI Nigeria, the organisation immediately launched efforts to determine his whereabouts after receiving reports of his arrest. Through engagements with relevant authorities, it was confirmed that he was being detained at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
The media advocacy group welcomed his release while continuing to monitor developments surrounding the investigation.
