*Police keeps mum as NUJ kicks

The disappearance and whereabout of SecretsReporters journalist, Stanley Ugagbe has allegedly in Abuja has continued to raise grave concerns about the security architecture of Nigeria and protection of media practitioners in the country .

The journalist who was allegedly seized by armed men in mufti on his way home before being taken to his residence, where his laptop and mobile phone were confiscated. ‎ ‎SecretsReporters, the media outfit where the journalist practices has allegedly obtained and put out videos showing masked security operatives handcuffing and taking Ugagbe away.

The media organisation further alleged that it’s staff was intercepted by armed men in Karu, Abuja, while returning home from official training on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m.

It said Policemen in masks abducted Journalist Stanley Ugagbe, handcuffed him, took him to his residence in Jikwoyi, seized his work laptop and phone, blindfolded him and drove him to an undisclosed location. ‎

According to the media organisation : ‎”as earlier reported by this newspaper, Ugagbe’s arrest is believed to be connected to a report published by SecretsReporters titled: “EXCLUSIVE: CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro Linked to N3.6bn Los Angeles Property Amid Questions Over Asset Declaration Compliance (Part 2).” ‎ ‎Sources said Ugagbe remained blindfolded throughout the night at the first location until Thursday, July 2.”

” He was then driven to another facility, still blindfolded, before the blindfold was removed. SecretsReporters has since established that the facility was the National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC). ‎

“‎Sources within the NCCC told SecretsReporters that one of the petitions against the journalist was submitted by the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Emem Usoro, who reportedly alleged that he published false information about her. ‎ “‎According to the same sources, a second petition, allegedly submitted anonymously, accused the journalist platform of leaking sensitive government information and official secrets considered detrimental by the authorities. ‎

“‎During questioning, Ugagbe reportedly maintained that, as a reporter, he was assigned stories by the management of SecretsReporters and was not the custodian of the source materials used in preparing some investigative reports, as all investigations belongs to the organization. ‎

“‎The sources further stated that he noted that laptops, communication devices and other equipment used by him and other reporters in carrying out their official assignments are company property belonging to SecretsReporters. ‎

‎Meanwhile, an examination of Ugagbe’s mobile phone call records obtained by SecretsReporters showed that his phone was switched on by security operatives at about 4:00 a.m. on July 2. During that period, four calls were received but went unanswered before the device was switched off again. The Police is yet to officially own up to kidnapping the journalist.”

Hours ,days and weeks have gone without any official response from the Nigerian Police Force who’s responsibility it is to protect human lives and prevent such crimes .

Inquires sent to the Police Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu received no-response 24 hours after they went ,which further complicates the safety of the missing journalist .

The inquiry by The Guardian on Sunday , July 5, 2026 at 11am reads: “Good morning FPRO and happy Sunday .

“I am Andrew Oota I work at The Guardian Newspapers as Crime reporter .

“Kindly confirm the story about alleged Kidnapping of “SecretsReporters” Journalist Stanley Ugagbe, allegedly found at Police Headquarters After 48 Hours Blindfolded Over Government Secrets Leak and Petition by CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro.

“He was allegedly whisked away on July 1,2026 at about 6pm in Karu on his way from his office.

“He was led to his home and his official laptop confiscated .

“Are you aware of this development and what is his current position?.”

A reminder was also sent to the Police Force Public Relations Officer’s office on Monday morning ,yet without a response at the time of filling this report .

Also deeply worried, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abuja chapter has condemned the disappearance of the journalist and his continued detention by an unknown security agency .

The NUJ decried the development, saying it is particularly concerning given the circumstances surrounding his arrest without official reasons for his detention or explanation about his whereabouts.

Also, a former President of the NUJ, Lanre Ogundipe, has condemned Ugagbe’s arrest and continued detention, warning that the growing trend of treating journalists as fugitives rather than professionals undermines the rule of law and weakens Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement made available to The Guardian Ogundipe said the journalist’s continued detention raises concerns that extend beyond the liberty of one journalist to the broader issue of press freedom and the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the media.

He argued that journalists carrying out their constitutional responsibility of informing the public should not be subjected to arbitrary arrests, intimidation, or prolonged detention simply because their reports may be uncomfortable to those in authority.

In a statement by the Secretary of NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the body condemned the incident, which reportedly occurred on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Ugagbe’s residence in Jikwoyi Phase II, Abuja.

According to the chapter, four armed men dressed in mufti allegedly arrived at his residence and whisked him away to an unknown destination shortly after he returned from work that evening. It added that one of the men reportedly dressed in a T-shirt and trousers, while another was carrying an assault rifle.

It was further gathered that Ugagbe’s mobile phone and laptop were confiscated before he was whisked away in an unmarked black Mitsubishi Pajero SUV with tinted windows. The council said the NUJ leadership has since reached out to various security agencies to ascertain his whereabouts, but that the agencies contacted have denied any knowledge of his whereabouts.

It therefore called on the relevant security agencies to immediately disclose the identity of the operatives involved, state the reasons for Ugagbe’s arrest, grant him immediate access to his family and legal representatives, and either charge him before a competent court, if there is any lawful basis, or release him without further delay.