Police Arrest Ex-Presidential Aide Over Alleged Forgery

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested former presidential aide and lawyer, Okoi Obono-Obla, in Ugep over allegations of certificate forgery and unlawful entry into the legal profession.

He was taken into custody on February 19, 2026, following a petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police accusing him of falsifying documents to obtain academic and professional qualifications.

Police spokesperson Eitokpah Sunday said the arrest was carried out by operatives of the command around midday at Abuja Park in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area.

The command dismissed reports circulating on social media that Obono-Obla had been kidnapped, stating that he was lawfully detained as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged criminal conduct.

According to the police, the action was taken within their constitutional powers, and his lawyer and family members have been informed of his location.

Obono-Obla previously served as Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari and headed the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property.

His tenure in that role drew public attention in 2019 when his office was sealed amid claims of abuse of office and questions about his academic records.

In 2021, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission arraigned him before a High Court in Abuja over alleged certificate forgery and an alleged N19.9 million fraud.

The anti-graft agency accused him of falsifying academic credentials and diverting public funds. He pleaded not guilty at the time, and the case proceeded in court.

He had earlier been declared wanted by the ICPC in 2019 before his arrest in 2020. He also challenged the commission’s authority to investigate him, but the court dismissed his objection.

The Nigerian Bar Association, Calabar Branch, said it is following the recent arrest. The branch leadership stated that while it is aware of the development, it is seeking clarity on the details.

The association expressed hope that his legal rights will be protected and that due process will be followed. It also indicated that its human rights committee may step in if necessary.

The latest arrest brings renewed attention to past allegations concerning Obono-Obla’s academic background and professional status.

The police have said investigations are ongoing and that further information will be made available as the matter progresses.