NUJ Demands Immediate Release of Detained Journalist Stanley Ugagbe

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has demanded the immediate release of journalist Stanley Ugagbe, condemning his reported arrest and continued detention by unidentified security operatives.

In a statement issued on Friday, the union described the incident as deeply troubling, noting that the circumstances surrounding Ugagbe’s arrest remain unclear, with no official explanation regarding his whereabouts, the allegations against him, or the legal basis for his detention.

According to the union, Ugagbe, a reporter with SecretReporters, an online news platform, was allegedly arrested on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at his residence in Jikwoyi Phase II, Abuja.

The NUJ said it gathered that shortly after the journalist returned home from work, four armed men dressed in mufti reportedly stormed his residence and took him away to an unknown destination. One of the operatives was said to be dressed in a T-shirt and trousers, while another carried an assault rifle.

The union further alleged that the operatives confiscated Ugagbe’s mobile phone and laptop before taking him away in an unmarked black Mitsubishi Pajero SUV with tinted windows.

The council disclosed that its leadership had contacted several security agencies in an effort to establish Ugagbe’s whereabouts and determine whether he was in official custody. However, it said the agencies approached denied detaining him or having any knowledge of the incident.

The NUJ called on the relevant security agencies to immediately disclose the identity of the operatives involved, state the reasons for the journalist’s arrest, and grant him unrestricted access to his family and legal representatives.

It also urged the authorities to either charge Ugagbe before a court of competent jurisdiction if there are lawful grounds for his detention or release him without further delay.

Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom, the union said it would continue to monitor the situation and support all lawful efforts aimed at securing the journalist’s release.

The statement was signed by the Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle.