The Cross River State Police Command says it has arrested Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, former special assistant to late President Muhammadu Buhari on prosecution
Obono-Obla was head of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP).
He was arrested on Thursday, February 19, 2026, along Abuja Park, Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of the state according to a statement by ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the state Police Public Relations Officer made available to the press in Calabar
There have been reports on social media alleging that Obono-Obla was kidnapped or taken by unknown persons in Ugep.
However, the police in the statement, said the former presidential aide was lawfully arrested following a petition submitted to the state commissioner of police.
“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.
“The arrest was effected in accordance with extant laws and in the exercise of the constitutional and statutory powers of the police to investigate allegations of criminal conduct,” the police statement stated.
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“Following his arrest, he was conveyed to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar, where investigation is currently ongoing,” the statement read.
The police explained that Obono-Obla has access to his lawyer, while his relatives are also aware of his current location.
“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.
“Further updates will be communicated as investigation progresses” the statement added
