Journalist Stanley Ugagbe has regained his freedom after spending several days in police custody, following the intervention of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria).
Ugagbe, a reporter with Secret Reporters, was released on Monday evening into the custody of IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, after the institute engaged the Nigeria Police over his detention.
In a statement issued by IPI Nigeria’s Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, the organisation said it began making inquiries immediately after learning of the journalist’s arrest at his Abuja residence last Wednesday.
The institute later established that Ugagbe was being held at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, where he was reportedly under investigation over allegations of espionage, cyberstalking and other computer-related offences.
Following sustained engagements and negotiations with police authorities, IPI Nigeria secured his release on bail. However, the organisation noted that investigations into the allegations against the journalist are still ongoing.
While welcoming Ugagbe’s release, IPI Nigeria expressed appreciation to the police authorities for their cooperation and reiterated its commitment to protecting press freedom and defending journalists against intimidation or unlawful interference in the course of their professional duties.