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Okoi Obono-Obla Arrested in Cross River Over Alleged Forgery
The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State has confirmed the arrest of former presidential aide, Okoi Obono-Obla, over allegations linked to forgery and securing entry into the legal profession under false pretences.
In a statement issued by the state police spokesperson, Eitokpah Sunday, the command said Obono-Obla was arrested on Thursday at Abuja Park in Ugep town, Cross River State. The arrest, according to the police, followed a formal petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police detailing claims of forgery and fraudulent acquisition of professional qualifications.
The police clarified that the operation was carried out in line with existing laws and the constitutional mandate of the force to investigate criminal allegations. Authorities also dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that the former adviser was kidnapped by unidentified security operatives.
Following his arrest, Obono-Obla was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar, where investigations are ongoing. The police noted that his legal representatives have been informed and are participating in the process, while family members are aware of his whereabouts.
Obono-Obla previously served under former President Muhammadu Buhari as Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution at the Federal Ministry of Justice. He also chaired the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property.
In 2019, he was suspended from his role after investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) into alleged falsification of records and financial misconduct.
Later that year, the anti-corruption agency declared him wanted for failing to honour repeated invitations for questioning over fraud-related allegations. He was subsequently arrested in Abuja in March 2020.
In 2021, the ICPC re-arraigned Obono-Obla on charges involving alleged fraud amounting to N10.1 million, as well as separate counts related to falsification and forgery of academic records. The agency had accused him of forging O’Level results to gain admission to study law during the 1985/86 academic session at the University of Jos.
The latest arrest adds to the series of legal challenges facing the former presidential aide, as authorities continue investigations into the new allegations.
