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The Cross River State Police Command has debunked reports circulating on social media claiming that a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Okoi Obono-Obla, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Eitokpah, said the reports were misleading, stressing that Obono-Obla was lawfully arrested following a formal petition.
According to the police, the former presidential aide was arrested on January 19, 2026, at about 12:00 noon along Abuja Park, Ugep, in Yakurr Local Government Area.
“The Cross River State Police Command wishes to address misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that Okoi Ofem Obono-Obla was kidnapped or taken by unknown persons,” the statement said.
“The Command states unequivocally that Mr. Obono-Obla was lawfully arrested by police operatives pursuant to a petition alleging offences bordering on forgery and obtaining admission or professional qualification/entry into the legal profession by false pretence,” it added.
ASP Eitokpah explained that the arrest was carried out strictly in line with Nigerian law and within the constitutional and statutory powers of the **Nigeria Police Force** to investigate alleged criminal conduct.
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Following his arrest, Obono-Obla was taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar, where investigations are currently ongoing. The police noted that his legal representatives and family members have been duly informed and are participating in the process.
“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 concluded.
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