Where is Stanley Ugagbe?, NUJ seeks immediate release of journalist whisked by unidentified security operatives
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has demanded the immediate release of journalist Stanley Ugagbe, condemning his alleged arrest and continued detention by unidentified security operatives.
In a statement issued on July 3, 2026, and signed by the Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the union described the incident as disturbing, noting that no official explanation has been provided regarding the journalist’s whereabouts, the allegations against him, or the legal basis for his detention.
According to the union, Ugagbe, a reporter with SecretReporters, was allegedly arrested on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at his residence in Jikwoyi Phase II, Abuja.
The NUJ said information available to it indicated that shortly after the journalist returned home from work, four armed men dressed in mufti reportedly stormed his residence and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
The statement added that one of the operatives was 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.
According to the NUJ, its leadership has contacted several security agencies to determine whether the journalist is being held in their custody, but all the agencies approached denied any involvement or knowledge of his whereabouts.
The union called on the relevant security agencies to immediately disclose the identity of the operatives involved, explain the reasons for Ugagbe’s arrest, grant him immediate access to his family and legal representatives, and either charge him before a court of competent jurisdiction if there is any lawful basis for his detention or release him without further delay.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and stated that it would continue to monitor the situation closely until the journalist regains his freedom.
The statement was signed by Comrade Jide Oyekunle, Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council.
