Former Presidential Adviser Okoi Obono-Obla is in police custody following his arrest on Thursday in Ugep, Cross River State.
The police have debunked claims of an “abduction,” explaining that the arrest was a legal exercise of their investigative powers triggered by a petition alleging certificate forgery and academic fraud.
The petition specifically claims Obono-Obla gained entry into the legal profession under false pretences.
Following his apprehension at Abuja Park, he was moved to the SCID in Calabar for further questioning.
“His legal counsel has been duly notified and is fully participating in the process. His relatives are also aware of his current location.
“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 spokesman said.
Persecondnews recalls that Obono-Obla served as Special Assistant to the President (Prosecution) attached to the Federal Ministry of Justice under the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
He also served as Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the recovery of public property (SPIP).
Obono-Obla’s legal troubles began in 2019 when he was suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari as chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel.
The suspension followed an ICPC investigation into alleged financial impropriety and the falsification of records.
Specifically, the commission accused him of forging the O’Level results used to gain admission to study law at the University of Jos during the 1985/86 academic session.
After repeatedly failing to honor ICPC summons, he was declared wanted and eventually arrested in Abuja.
Though initially arraigned over a N10.1 million fraud case, the ICPC filed additional charges in 2021 specifically targeting the alleged forgery of his academic credentials.
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