Operatives of the Nigeria police Command in Cross River State have arrested and detained Okoi Obono-Obla, former presidential adviser to Goodluck Jonathan.
His arrest followed a petition submitted to the police Commissioner in the State, accusing Obno-Obla of forgery and obtaining admission or professional qualification/entry into the legal profession by false pretence”.
The Command’s spokesperson, Eitokpah Sunday revealed in a statement that Obono-Obla is being interrogated over allegations of forgery and obtaining entry into the legal profession by false pretence.
Police image maker, who dismissed claim that Obono-Obla was abducted, stated that the former presidential aide arrested on Thursday around Abuja Park, Ugep town, in Cross River State.
The statement affirmed that 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 conveyed to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar, where investigation is currently ongoing, the police spokesman said, his legal counsel has been duly notified and is fully participating in the process. 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.”
Obono-Obla served as special assistant to the president (prosecution) attached to federal ministry of justice under late President Muhammadu Buhari.
He also served as chairman of the special presidential investigation panel for the recovery of public property (SPIP).
However trouble started for Obno-Obla after he was suspended by Buhari in 2019 as chairman of the the panel.
He was suspended following investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged falsification of records and financial impropriety.
ICPC had accused him of forging O’Level results to study law in the 1985/86 academic session in the University of Jos (UNIJOS).
He was subsequently declared wanted following his failure to honour ICPC summons to answer questions on allegations of fraud and corruption against him.
Obono-Obla was eventually arrested in Abuja and arraigned over alleged N10.1 million fraud.
ICPC thereafter re-arraigned him over charges bordering on alleged falsification and forgery of school results in 2021.
But the Nigeria Bar Association has raised the alarm over his arrest, and demanded his immediate and unconditional release.
That’s outrageous of him.