Police Refute Abduction Report, Say Ex Presidential Aide Arrested Over Alleged Forgery

By Ekanem Asuquo 

The Cross River State Police Command has dismissed claims that former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono Obla, was abducted in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area.

The police clarified that Obla was arrested by operatives of the Command in connection with a petition alleging forgery and false pretence relating to his entry into the legal profession.

In a statement released on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Command described the kidnap allegation circulating on social media as inaccurate and misleading.

According to the statement, Obla was arrested on January 19, 2026, at about 12 noon at Abuja Park in Ugep. The arrest followed a petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police alleging offences bordering on forgery and obtaining professional qualification by false pretence.

The Command stated that the action was taken in accordance with the constitutional and statutory powers of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate criminal complaints.

After his arrest, Obla was moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar, where investigations are ongoing.

Police authorities said his legal representatives have been duly notified and are participating in the process, while his family members are aware of his whereabouts.

The Command emphasized that there was no abduction and no involvement of any unidentified security personnel, insisting that the kidnapping narrative is entirely unfounded.