Police Arrest Okoi Obono-Obla For Alleged Forgery

By Sylvia Akpan

The Police in Cross River State, has confirmed the arrest of former presidential aide to former President Buhari, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla over an alleged forgery.

The arrest carried out on Thursday, February 19, 2026 was trailed with insinuation with many alleging he was kidnapped by unknown men. But the Police in the state through its spokesman, ASP Eitokpah Sunday in a press release issued late Thursday evening discarded the insinuation as “misleading” and cleared the air.

The Command said that Mr. Obono-Obla was lawfully arrested by police operatives on 19th February, 2026 at about 12:00 noon along Abuja Park, Ugep, Yakurr LGA of the state in 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 arrest was said to have been effected in accordance with extant laws and in the exercise of the constitutional and statutory powers of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate allegations of criminal conduct.

Following his arrest, he was conveyed to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar, where investigation is currently ongoing, the police stated.

“His legal counsel has been duly notified and is fully participating in the process. His relatives are also aware of his current location,” the number one law enforcement agency further refuted kidnapping claims.

“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.

Members of the public are urged to refrain from disseminating unverified information capable of inciting public anxiety or undermining the peaceful security atmosphere of the state, as further updates will be communicated with investigation progressing.