NBA Blasts Arrests Of Ex-Presidential Aide, Obono-Obla, Vows Intervention

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the arrest and detention of former presidential aide and lawyer, Okoi Obono-Obla.

Naija News reports that Obono-Obla was arrested by officials of the Cross River State Police Command on Thursday over offences bordering on forgery and obtaining admission, professional qualification, and entry into the legal profession by false pretence.

A statement on Thursday by the police spokesman, Eitokpah Sunday, disclosed that Obono-Obla was lawfully arrested by police operatives on 19th February, 2026, at about 12:00 noon along Abuja Park, Ugep, Cross River State.

Reacting to the development, Calabar branch NBA chairman, Enome Amatey, vowed to intervene.

He said the association was aware of the incident but had yet to receive official information on the agency responsible for the arrest.

He described the situation as unclear and concerning.

“We’ve heard about his arrest. Unfortunately, we don’t know which agency arrested him. The circumstances are hazy,” he said.

Speaking to newsmen, Amatey said, “We hope his rights will be respected, that he will be given a fair opportunity to defend himself and access to proper legal representation.”

He stressed that the association would ensure that due process was followed and that Obono-Obla was not detained beyond the constitutionally permitted period without proper legal justification.

Amatey further assured that the NBA would seek a full briefing on the incident and, if necessary, activate its human rights committee to take appropriate action.

“We will ascertain which agency arrested him, and if need be, our human rights committee will wade into the matter,” he said.