?The Nigeria Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has successfully secured the release of Stanley Ugagbe, a reporter for the online news platform Secret Reporters. Mr. Ugagbe was arrested by security operatives from his Abuja residence on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Following an investigation by IPI Nigeria to locate him, he was found at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.

After intensive negotiations led by the Institute's leadership, he was released on bail to IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed on Monday evening, July 6, 2026.

While Mr. Ugagbe is now out of custody, police investigations into allegations of espionage, cyberstalking, and computer-related offences remain ongoing.

IPI Nigeria’s Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, stated that the organization will closely monitor the situation, reiterating its commitment to defending press freedom and protecting journalists from unlawful interference.