Governor Otu Orders Withdrawal of Case Against Critic

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has directed his aides to withdraw their complaint against Denis Odama, a social commentator and businessman, who was reported to the police for allegedly making derogatory statements about the governor. This directive was communicated through a statement on Otu's verified Facebook page on Wednesday.

The governor has also instructed the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to review the case and take necessary steps to discontinue the prosecution, facilitating Odama's release from the correctional centre. Otu cited Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, as a basis for his decision.

He expressed his commitment to upholding this right for all Cross Riverians, including critics of his administration, while encouraging responsible exercise of this freedom. Odama was arrested on August 9, 2026, in Lagos following the complaint from Otu's aides.