Ex-presidential aide, Obono-Obla, arrested for alleged certificate forgery

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The police have confirmed arrest of former presidential adviser, Mr Okoi Obono-Obla over allegations of forgery and obtaining entry into the legal profession by false pretence.

The Cross River Police Command confirmed the arrest of Obono-Obla in a statement by its spokesperson, Eitokpah Sunday on Friday.

The Cross River police spokesperson also dismissed claim that Obono-Obla was abuducted.

According to Sunday, the former presidential aide arrested on Thursday around Abuja Park, Ugep town, in Cross River state.

Sunday said the arrest followed a petition submitted to the state commissioner of police.

The Police spokesperson said the petition accused Obno-Obla of forgery and obtaining admission or professional qualification/entry into the legal profession by false pretence”.

Sunday affirmed that 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 Cross River Police Command spokesperson added that following his arrest, Obono-Obla 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.”

Obono-Obla served as special assistant to the president (prosecution) attached to federal ministry of justice under late President Muhammadu Buhari.

He also served as chairman of the special presidential investigation panel for the recovery of public property (SPIP).

However trouble started for Obno-Obla after he was suspended by Buhari in 2019 as chairman of the the panel.

He was suspended following investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged falsification of records and financial impropriety.

ICPC had accused him of forging O’Level results to study law in the 1985/86 academic session in the University of Jos (UNIJOS).

He was subsequently declared wanted following his failure to honour ICPC summons to answer questions on allegations of fraud and corruption against him.

Obono-Obla was eventually arrested in Abuja and arraigned over alleged N10.1 million fraud.

ICPC again rearraigned him over charges bordering on alleged falsification and forgery of school results in 2021.