The arrest of former presidential aide and lawyer Okoi Obono-Obla by the Nigeria Police Force over alleged false entry into the legal profession has raised concerns. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has vowed to intervene to ensure due process is upheld.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that Obono-Obla was taken into custody on allegations related to forgery and obtaining admission, professional qualification, and entry into the legal profession by means of false pretenses.
In a statement released on Thursday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, indicated that the arrest followed a petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police.
“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 carried out in accordance with extant laws and exercised under the constitutional and statutory powers of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate allegations of criminal conduct.
Following his arrest, he was taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar, where investigations are ongoing. The command noted that his legal counsel has been informed and is participating in the process, while relatives have been notified 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 continued.
However, the Chairman of the NBA Calabar Branch, Enome Amatey, described the circumstances surrounding the arrest as unclear and concerning, expressing that the association had yet to receive official information regarding the agency responsible.
“We’ve heard about his arrest. Unfortunately, we don’t know which agency arrested him. The circumstances are hazy,” he stated.
Speaking with reporters in Calabar, 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 assured that the association would ensure due process is followed and that Obono-Obla is not detained beyond the constitutionally permitted period without adequate legal justification.
“We will ascertain which agency arrested him, and if necessary, our human rights committee will wade into the matter,” he concluded.
