NUJ Slams Alleged Secret Arrest of Journalist Stanley Ugagbe

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

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the union expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding Ugagbe’s arrest, saying no official explanation had been provided regarding his whereabouts, the allegations against him, or the legal basis for his detention.

According to the NUJ, Ugagbe, a reporter with SecretReporters, was reportedly arrested on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at his residence in Jikwoyi Phase II, Abuja.

The union said information available to it indicated that shortly after the journalist returned home from work, four armed men dressed in mufti allegedly stormed his residence and took him to an unknown destination.

It stated that one of the operatives was dressed in a T-shirt and trousers, while another carried an assault rifle. The statement 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 NUJ said its leadership had contacted several security agencies in an effort to determine whether the journalist was in their custody. However, the agencies reportedly denied holding him or having any knowledge of his whereabouts.

Describing the development as disturbing, the union called on the relevant security agencies to immediately identify the operatives involved, disclose the reasons for Ugagbe’s arrest, and grant him access to his family and legal representatives.

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

The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, saying it would continue to monitor the situation and support all efforts aimed at securing Ugagbe’s release.