The Cross River State Police Command has taken Okoi Obono-Obla, a lawyer and former presidential aide, into custody over allegations involving forgery and the fraudulent acquisition of his academic and professional legal qualifications.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, released a statement on Thursday, February 19, 2026, to clarify the situation following rumors that the lawyer had been abducted.
The police clarified that “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.”
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According to the official account, the arrest took place at approximately 12:00 noon near Abuja Park in Ugep. The command explained that the action was taken “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.”
The police emphasized that the arrest was a lawful exercise of their statutory powers to investigate criminal allegations.
Currently, Obono-Obla is being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar. The police noted that his family and legal counsel are aware of his location and that his lawyer is participating in the ongoing process.
To quell public concern, the statement added: “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.”
In response to the arrest, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concern and promised to monitor the situation.
Enome Amatey, the Chairman of the NBA Calabar Branch, mentioned that while they were aware of the incident, the initial details were quite vague. “We’ve heard about his arrest. Unfortunately, we don’t know which agency arrested him. The circumstances are hazy,” he remarked on Thursday.
Amatey told reporters that the association is committed to ensuring that Obono-Obla’s constitutional rights are protected. “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 stated.
He further assured that the NBA would intervene if necessary, saying, “We will ascertain which agency arrested him, and if need be, our human rights committee will wade into the matter.”
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