Police arrest ex-presidential aide Obono-Obla in Cross River over alleged forgery

Police authorities in Cross River State have confirmed the arrest of former presidential aide, Okoi Obono-Obla, over allegations linked to document forgery, bringing clarity to earlier rumours that he had been kidnapped

According to security sources, operatives picked up the former chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property in Calabar following a petition accusing him of presenting questionable documents in an ongoing legal dispute. The police said the arrest was part of a lawful investigation and not related to any abduction, as widely circulated on social media.

A senior police official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that Obono-Obla is currently being questioned and may be released on administrative bail depending on the outcome of preliminary findings. “He is with investigators. The process is strictly professional, and due process will be followed,” the source stated.

The Cross River State Police Command also issued a brief statement urging the public to disregard reports suggesting that the former presidential aide was kidnapped, describing such claims as false and capable of causing unnecessary panic. Authorities emphasised that the investigation centres on alleged forgery and related offences, and that no formal charges have yet been filed in court.

Meanwhile, associates of Obono-Obla have maintained that the allegations are politically motivated, insisting that he remains confident of clearing his name. Legal representatives close to him said they are cooperating with investigators while awaiting further developments.

The police reiterated that the matter remains under investigation and appealed to the public to avoid speculation until official findings are concluded.