The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State has arrested Okoi Obono-Obla over allegations of forgery and obtaining entry into the legal profession by false pretence.
In a statement on Thursday, police spokesperson Eitokpah Sunday said Mr. Obono-Obla was arrested around Abuja Park in Ugep town following a petition submitted to the commissioner of police.
According to the statement, the petition alleged forgery and obtaining admission or professional qualification and entry into the legal profession by false pretence.
“The arrest was effected in accordance with extant laws and in the exercise of the constitutional and statutory powers of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate allegations of criminal conduct,” the statement said.
The police said he has been taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar and that investigation is ongoing.
His legal counsel has been notified and his relatives are aware of his location.
The command dismissed claims circulating on social media that he was kidnapped by unidentified security operatives.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Command categorically states that allegations of kidnapping or involvement of unidentified security outfits are false, unfounded, and entirely without factual basis,” the statement added.
The Nigerian Bar Association, Calabar branch, said it is monitoring the situation.
The branch chairperson Enome Amatey said the association was aware of the arrest but had yet to receive official information on the agency responsible.
He said the association would ensure that due process is followed and that his rights are respected.
Obono-Obla was appointed in 2016 by former President Muhammadu Buhari as special assistant to the president (prosecution) at the federal ministry of justice.
He also served as chairman of the special presidential investigation panel for the recovery of public property.
In August 2019, Mr. Buhari suspended him as chairman of the panel following an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged falsification of records and financial impropriety.
In October 2019, the commission declared him wanted over failure to appear for questioning on allegations of fraud and corruption.
He was arrested in March 2020 in Abuja.
In March 2021, the commission rearraigned him over alleged fraud.
In October 2021, he was rearraigned over charges bordering on alleged falsification and forgery of school results.
The commission accused him of forging O’Level results to study law at the University of Jos.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
