Ex-Presidential Aide Obono-Obla Arrested for Forgery

Obono-Obla, a former presidential aide, was arrested by the Cross River State Police Command on February 19, 2026, around noon at Abuja Park in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area. The arrest was confirmed by the police's public relations officer, Asp Eitokpah, who stated that it was based on a petition submitted to the police commission accusing Obono-Obla of offenses related to forgery and obtaining professional qualifications under false pretenses.

The police explained that the arrest followed due process within the powers granted to the Nigerian police force to investigate criminal complaints. Following his arrest, Obono-Obla was moved to the state criminal investigation department in Calabar for further inquiries.

The police also dismissed circulating social media reports claiming that he had been kidnapped, clarifying that there was no involvement of unknown gunmen and that the allegations of kidnapping were untrue. The police urged the public to avoid spreading unconfirmed information that could cause fear and disturb the peace in the state.