By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
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.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday, February 19, by the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday.
The command said that Obono-Obla was lawfully arrested by operatives of the command, contrary to social media reports that he was kidnapped.
The statement reads: “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 command states 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.”
According to the statement, the arrest was made 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 (SCID), 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.
“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 added.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reacted to the development and promised to intervene in the arrest and detention of Obono-Obla.
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 one that raised concern, hoping that the rights of the former presidential aide are respected.
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.
