Police Arrest Ex-Presidential Aide Obono-Obla In Cross River

The Cross River State Police have arrested lawyer and former presidential aide, Okoi Obono-Obla, over allegations of forgery and fraud related to obtaining admission, professional qualifications, and entry into the legal profession.

Mr Obono-Obla, who served as Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari and chaired the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property, was arrested on Thursday.

In a statement issued Thursday, the police spokesperson in the state, Eitokpah Sunday, said the arrest followed a petition submitted to the commissioner of police, Punch Newspaper reported.

“The Cross River State Police Command wishes to address misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that Mr 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 19 February 2026, at about midday 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 police, the arrest was in line with extant laws and within the force’s constitutional and statutory powers to investigate allegations of criminal conduct.

The police said his legal counsel has been notified and is participating in the process, while his relatives are 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 said.

The police urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could incite anxiety or undermine public peace.

Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch, said it was monitoring the situation.

The branch Chairperson, Enome Amatey, told Punch newspaper that the association was aware of the arrest but had yet to receive official information on the agency responsible.

“We’ve heard about his arrest. Unfortunately, we don’t know which agency arrested him. The circumstances are hazy,” he said.

Mr Amatey added, “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 NBA would ensure due process is followed and that Mr Obono-Obla is not detained beyond the constitutionally permitted period without proper legal justification.

“We will ascertain which agency arrested him, and if need be, our human rights committee will wade into the matter,” he said.