The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has expressed deep concern over the alleged abduction of journalist Stanley Ugagbe by security operatives in Abuja.
In a statement jointly signed by Ahmed I. Shekarau, Secretary of IPI Nigeria, and Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser and Chairman of the Advocacy Committee, the organisation condemned both the manner of the journalist’s arrest and his continued detention without communication.
According to the statement, preliminary reports indicated that Ugagbe was taken into custody shortly after Secret Reporters, the online publication where he works, published an investigative report.
READ ALSO: Claim on Kano’s “Highest Education Spending Ranking” by University of Paris Unsubstantiated
IPI Nigeria stated that available information showed that four unidentified men allegedly abducted the journalist from his residence in Abuja on Wednesday.
The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Secret Reporters, Fejiro Oliver, reportedly alleged that officers of the Nigeria Police Force carried out the operation while Ugagbe was returning home from an official training programme.
According to Oliver, the operatives allegedly took the journalist to his residence in Jikwoyi, Abuja, where they reportedly seized his official laptop and mobile phone before taking him to an undisclosed location.
“Our lawyer and editor, alongside a senior reporter, searched the former SARS facility, the FCT Police Command and the Force Headquarters without finding him,” Oliver reportedly stated.
He further disclosed that other members of the media organisation visited police stations in Jikwoyi and Karu to determine whether the operation had been officially documented, but allegedly found no record of the arrest.
As of the time the statement was issued, IPI Nigeria said the whereabouts of the journalist remained unknown.
The organisation described the development as disturbing and unconstitutional, stressing that Ugagbe had reportedly been denied access to his family, lawyers and employer.
IPI Nigeria argued that such actions violated constitutional rights guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen and undermined democratic principles and press freedom.
“At a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with serious security challenges, it is disturbing that security agencies still resort to unlawful arrests and detention practices that disregard constitutional safeguards and due process,” the statement read.
The organisation warned against what it described as the growing criminalisation of legitimate journalistic activities by security agencies, noting that such actions damage Nigeria’s democratic image and international reputation.
IPI Nigeria therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct relevant security agencies to immediately produce the journalist, disclose the legal basis for his arrest and grant him access to his legal representatives and family members.
The organisation further demanded that if there was credible evidence of wrongdoing against the journalist, he should either be charged before a competent court or released without delay.
IPI Nigeria also reminded security agencies that under the Nigerian Constitution, every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
The group emphasized that individuals or institutions who feel defamed by media publications should seek redress through lawful judicial processes rather than intimidation or unlawful detention of journalists.
It also urged the Inspector-General of Police and heads of security agencies to ensure officers under their command respect the rule of law and avoid interference in matters considered civil in nature.
“A free press is indispensable to democracy. Journalism is not a crime,” the organisation declared.