The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State has arrested a lawyer and former presidential aide, Okoi Obono-Obla, over allegations of forgery and fraudulent acquisition of admission and professional qualifications into the legal profession.
Obono-Obla, who previously served as Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari and chaired the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property, was taken into custody on Thursday.
In a statement issued the same day, the state police spokesperson, Eitokpah Sunday, said the arrest followed a petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police.
“The Cross River State Police Command wishes to address misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that Mr Obono-Obla was kidnapped or taken by unknown persons in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area,” the statement said.
“The command states unequivocally that Mr Obono-Obla was lawfully arrested by police operatives on 19 February 2026, at about midday 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,” it added.
The police said the arrest was carried out in line with extant laws and within the force’s constitutional and statutory mandate to investigate criminal allegations.
It further noted that his legal counsel has been informed and is involved in the process, while his family members are aware of his whereabouts.
“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,” the statement said.
The command urged members of the public to avoid circulating unverified information capable of causing panic or disturbing public order.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch, said it was closely monitoring the situation.
Obono-Obla has previously faced legal and administrative scrutiny.
In 2019, his office as chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel was sealed amid investigations into alleged abuse of office and certificate irregularities. His leadership of the asset recovery panel drew controversy, including accusations of high-handedness and clashes with other anti-corruption agencies. Questions were also raised at the time about his academic credentials and qualification for public office.
In 2021, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned him before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, on charges of alleged certificate forgery and N19.9 million fraud.
The anti-graft agency accused him of falsifying academic records and making false declarations to obtain admission and professional recognition, as well as allegedly diverting public funds. He pleaded not guilty, and the case proceeded to trial.
The ICPC had earlier declared him wanted in October 2019 before arresting him in March 2020.
Obono-Obla also challenged the commission’s authority to investigate the certificate forgery allegations, but in May 2020 the courts dismissed his suit, clearing the way for his arraignment in January 2021.