Journalist abducted in Abuja, CPJ links disappearance to investigative report

Journalist Stanley Ugagbe has been abducted from his home in Abuja, Nigeria, raising serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of investigative reporters. Ugagbe, associated with the online news platform Secrets Reporters, was taken from his residence in the Jikwoyi area on Wednesday evening by unidentified armed men.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has linked Ugagbe's disappearance to a recent investigation published by Secrets Reporters. The report, dated June 16, delves into allegations of corruption and infidelity involving Emem Nnana Usoro, a deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Specifically, the investigation, titled “CBN Deputy Governor Emem Nnana Usoro Hides N1.4 Billion California Luxury Condo in Asset Declaration Scandal (Part 1),” alleges that Usoro concealed ownership of a luxury property in the United States.

Initial suspicions pointed towards the State Security Service (SSS), but the agency denied any involvement, stating Ugagbe was not in their custody. Subsequent information suggested the involvement of officers from the Police Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) in Guzape, Abuja. However, attempts to verify this claim have been unsuccessful, and the police division also denied arresting or detaining the journalist.

Neighbors reportedly saw four men in plain clothes arrive in an unmarked SUV and enter Ugagbe's apartment before leaving with the journalist, taking his laptop and mobile phone. The conflicting accounts and the inability to confirm the journalist's whereabouts have left his colleagues and family in a state of uncertainty. As of the publication of the report, Ugagbe's location remained unknown.

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Neighbors saw Mr Ugagbe enter his apartment in Abuja’s Jikwoyi area on Wednesday before two armed men followed him inside. The men later left with the journalist while carrying a laptop and mobile phone.