Police arrest ex-presidential aide Obono-Obla in Cross River
The Police Command in Cross River State has confirmed the arrest of a former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, on Thursday morning in Yakurr LGA of Cross River State. In a statement signed by the spokesman of the command, ASP Eitiokpa Sunday Akata, it said that the arrest was effected in accordance with extant laws. […]
nigeria police force
The Police Command in Cross River State has confirmed the arrest of a former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, on Thursday morning in Yakurr LGA of Cross River State.
In a statement signed by the spokesman of the command, ASP Eitiokpa Sunday Akata, it said that the arrest was effected in accordance with extant laws.
Akata said that he was conveyed to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar, where an investigation is currently ongoing on allegations of criminal conduct.
He said, “Mr Okono-Obla was lawfully arrested by police operatives on 19th February, 2026, at about 12 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.
“His legal counsel has been duly notified and is fully participating in the process. His relatives are also aware of his current location.”
The command categorically stated that allegations of kidnapping or involvement of unidentified security outfits in the arrest were false and entirely without factual basis.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch, Enome J. Amatey, Esq., said the association was yet to receive official information on the agency responsible for the arrest.
“We’ve heard about his arrest. Unfortunately, we don’t know which agency arrested him. The circumstances are hazy.
“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.