By Abasi Ita
The Cross River State Police Command has debunked reports alleging that former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono Obla, was kidnapped in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area.
The Command said Obla was lawfully arrested by its operatives following a petition alleging forgery and false pretence in relation to his admission into the legal profession.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the police described the kidnapping narrative circulating on social media as misleading and unfounded.
According to the statement, Obla was apprehended on January 19, 2026, at about 12 noon at Abuja Park in Ugep. The arrest, the Command said, was carried out in line with the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate criminal allegations.
The police explained that the action was based on a petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police, which raised issues bordering on forgery and obtaining professional qualification by false pretence.
Following his arrest, Obla was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar, where investigations are ongoing.
The Command further disclosed that his legal counsel has been informed and is actively involved in the process, while his family members are aware of his location.
It reiterated that there was no abduction or involvement of any unidentified security outfit, stressing that the claims of kidnapping are entirely false.