CJID Demands Release of Detained Journalist Stanley Ugabe
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Secrets Reporters journalist Stanley Ugabe, condemning his arrest and continued detention by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre.
According to the organisation, Ugabe has remained in custody for six days without any official public statement on the reasons for his arrest. CJID alleged that he was taken from his residence in the Jikwoyi area of Abuja on July 1 by armed plain clothes operatives who arrived in an unmarked vehicle before he was transferred to the National Cybercrime Centre over petitions linked to his journalistic work.
The organisation also raised concerns over a police invitation issued to the publisher and Editor in Chief of Secrets Reporters, Tega Oghenedoro, also known as Fejiro Oliver, directing him to appear before the National Cybercrime Centre on July 8 in connection with allegations of espionage, cyberstalking and computer related offences.
CJID criticised the manner in which the operation was carried out, describing it as capable of eroding public confidence in law enforcement. It further expressed concern over what it described as the increasing use of the Cybercrime Act against journalists and media organisations.
The organisation urged the Inspector General of Police to order Ugabe’s immediate release, withdraw the invitation issued to Oghenedoro, investigate officers involved in the operation, and ensure that journalists are able to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation.
