The Nigerian Bar Association has vowed to intervene in the arrest and detention of former presidential aide and lawyer, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, following growing concerns over the circumstances surrounding his apprehension.
The Cross River State Police command had arrested Obono-Obla on Thursday, alleging offences bordering on forgery and obtaining admission, professional qualification, and entry into the legal profession by false pretence.
A statement on Thursday by the police spokesman, Eitokpah Sunday, disclosed that “Obono-Obla was lawfully arrested by police operatives on 19th February, 2026, at about 12:00 noon along Abuja Park, Ugep, Cross River State.
“The Cross River State Police command wishes to address misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that Okoi Obono-Obla was kidnapped or taken by unknown persons in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area.
“The command states unequivocally that Mr Obono-Obla was lawfully arrested by police operatives on 19th February, 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.”
According to the release, the arrest was 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, Obono-Obla was taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Calabar, where an investigation was ongoing.
The statement noted that his legal counsel had been duly notified and was fully participating in the process, adding that relatives were also aware of his current location.
Reacting, the Calabar branch NBA chairman, Enome Amatey, said the association was aware of the incident but had yet to receive official information on the agency responsible for the arrest.
He described the situation as unclear and concerning.
“We’ve heard about his arrest. Unfortunately, we don’t know which agency arrested him. The circumstances are hazy,” he said.
Speaking to newsmen, Amatey said, “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 stressed that the association would ensure that due process was followed and that Obono-Obla was not detained beyond the constitutionally permitted period without proper legal justification.
Amatey further assured that the NBA would seek a full briefing on the incident and, if necessary, activate its human rights committee to take appropriate action.
“We will ascertain which agency arrested him, and if need be, our human rights committee will wade into the matter,” he said.
