JUST IN: Arrested Businessman Denis Odama Released From Correctional Center After Executive Directive

By Missang Akpet 

Mr. Denis Odama, the Cross River born businessman arrested in Lagos for allegedly inciting social media comments against Governor Bassey Otu, has been released from custody.

Odama was released on Thursday August 20 in the morning and reunited with his family

The release followed an executive directive from Governor Bassey Otu for his immediate release and the discontinuation of the case.

In his statement, the governor said: As a father and leader, I have directed the aides involved to withdraw their complaint against Mr. Odama.  

I have also directed the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the State to urgently review the matter and, in the exercise of his constitutional discretion, take the necessary steps to discontinue the case, so that Mr. Odama may be released from the correctional centre without further delay and reunited with his family."

Odama was arrested in Lagos on August 10, 2026 over allegations of online bullying and harassment of the governor. The arrest was linked to a Facebook post in which he asked if the Commissioner for Sports Development, Mrs. Agnes Asu, was in possession of the governor’s explicit photos.

Following the governor’s directive, the case has been struck off and all proceedings discontinued.