Former presidential panel chairman Okoi Obono-Obla has been arrested by the police in Cross River State over allegations of certificate forgery and professional fraud, prompting the Nigerian Bar Association to demand a fair and transparent legal process.
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of Okoi Obono-Obla, a former presidential aide and lawyer, in Ugep, Cross River State, over allegations of forgery and the fraudulent acquisition of professional legal qualifications. The Cross River State Police Command clarified that Obono-Obla was apprehended on February 19, 2026, to investigate a petition alleging he obtained “admission, professional qualification, and entry into the legal profession by false pretence,” dismissing social media rumors that he had been kidnapped.
While the police maintain the arrest followed due process, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Calabar Branch has expressed concern over the “hazy” circumstances of the detention, with Chairman Enome Amatey vowing to intervene to ensure Obono-Obla’s rights are respected and that “he will be given a fair opportunity to defend himself and access to proper legal representation.” The command stated unequivocally that “allegations of kidnapping or involvement of unidentified security outfits are false,” and confirmed the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar.