POLICE ARREST EX-PRESIDENTIAL AIDE OBONO-OBLA OVER ALLEGED FORGERY OF CERTIFICATE RESULT

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The police department in Cross River state says they have arrested Okoi Obono-Obla, who used to work as a presidential adviser, on charges of making fake documents and getting into the law profession through lies.

In a statement, Eitokpah Sunday, who speaks for the Cross River police, said Obono-Obla was “lawfully arrested” on Thursday near Abuja Park in Ugep town, which is in Cross River state.

Sunday said the arrest was sequel to a petition submitted to the state commissioner of police over allegations bordering on “forgery and obtaining admission or professional qualification/entry into the legal profession by false pretence”.

The police spokesperson dismissed claims that the ex-presidential adviser was kidnapped by unidentified security operatives.

“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 reads.

“Following his arrest, he was conveyed to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar, where investigation is currently ongoing.

“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.”

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In 2016, then–President Muhammadu Buhari named Obono-Obla as the special assistant to the president in charge of prosecution, within the federal ministry of justice. He also became the chairman of the special presidential investigation panel for recovering public property.

In August 2019, Buhari removed Obono-Obla from his position as chairman of the panel after an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) found him guilty of falsifying records and engaging in improper financial activities.

In October 2019, the ICPC announced that Obono-Obla was wanted for not showing up repeatedly to answer questions about allegations of fraud and corruption.

In March 2020, the former presidential aide was arrested by the ICPC in Abuja.

In March 2021, the ICPC brought Obono-Obla back for trial on charges of fraud involving about N10.1 million.

In October 2021, the ICPC charged him again with falsifying and forging school results.

The ICPC claimed he forged O’Level results to study law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) during the 1985/86 academic session.