The Cross River State Police Command has arrested former presidential aide and lawyer, Okoi Obono-Obla, over alleged offences bordering on forgery and obtaining admission, professional qualification, and entry into the legal profession by false pretence.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, disclosed that Obono-Obla was lawfully arrested by operatives of the command.
“The Cross River State Police Command wishes to address misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that Okoi Ofem Obono-Obla was kidnapped or taken by unknown persons in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area,” the statement read.
“The Command states unequivocally that Mr. Obono-Obla was lawfully arrested by police operatives on February 19, 2026, at about 12:00 noon along Abuja Park, Ugep, pursuant to a petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police alleging offences bordering on forgery and obtaining admission or professional qualification/entry into the legal profession by false pretence,” it added.
According to the statement, the arrest was effected in accordance with extant laws and in the exercise of the constitutional and statutory powers of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate allegations of criminal conduct.
Following his arrest, Obono-Obla was conveyed to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Calabar, where investigations are ongoing.
The command noted that his legal counsel has been duly notified and is fully participating in the process, while his relatives are also aware of his whereabouts.
The police debunked information circulating on social media alleging that the former presidential aide was abducted by unknown gunmen, describing such claims as false and unfounded.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Command categorically states that allegations of kidnapping or involvement of unidentified security outfits are false, unfounded, and entirely without factual basis,” the statement said.
The command called on members of the public to refrain from disseminating unverified information capable of inciting public anxiety or undermining the peaceful security atmosphere of the state, adding that further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association has vowed to intervene in the arrest and detention of the former presidential aide.
Chairman of the NBA, Calabar Branch, Enome Amatey, on Thursday in Calabar, stated that the association is aware of the incident but has yet to receive official information on the agency responsible for the arrest.
He described the situation as unclear and concerning.
“We’ve heard about his arrest. Unfortunately, we don’t know which agency arrested him. The circumstances are hazy,” he said.
Speaking to newsmen, Amatey said, “We hope his rights will be respected, that he will be given a fair opportunity to defend himself and access to proper legal representation.”
He stressed that the association would ensure that due process is followed and that Obono-Obla is not detained beyond the constitutionally permitted period without proper legal justification.
Amatey further assured that the NBA would seek a full briefing on the incident and, if necessary, activate its human rights committee to take appropriate action.
“We will ascertain which agency arrested him, and if need be, our human rights committee will wade into the matter,” he said.
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