Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Police authorities in Cross River State have taken into custody lawyer and former presidential aide Okoi Obono-Obla over allegations of forgery and claims that he fraudulently secured university admission, professional credentials and entry into Nigeria’s legal profession.
Security sources confirmed that Obono-Obla was detained following a petition alleging irregularities in the academic and procedural records that formed the basis of his qualification as a lawyer. The arrest was reportedly carried out by officers attached to the Cross River State Police Command, though investigators have not yet released detailed information about the specific documents under scrutiny.
Obono-Obla previously served as Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Prosecution and was at one point chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property. During his tenure in public office, he was associated with high-profile anti-corruption initiatives, a role that made him a prominent and sometimes controversial figure in Nigeria’s legal and political circles.
The current allegations centre on claims that he may have falsified records relating to his admission into tertiary education, his progression through legal studies, and subsequent enrollment into the Nigerian Bar. Under Nigerian law, admission to legal practice requires completion of an accredited law degree, attendance at the Nigerian Law School, and formal call to the Bar by the Body of Benchers.
Legal practitioners note that any proven falsification of academic or professional credentials could carry serious consequences, including criminal prosecution and disbarment. The integrity of admission processes is considered fundamental to maintaining standards within the legal profession.
Sources familiar with the investigation indicated that authorities are reviewing documentary records from relevant institutions to determine whether procedural requirements were properly met. Investigators are expected to liaise with educational authorities and regulatory bodies to authenticate certificates, transcripts and related documents.
As of the time of reporting, Obono-Obla’s legal representatives had not issued a detailed public statement addressing the allegations. It remains unclear whether formal charges have been filed or whether the detention is part of preliminary investigative procedures.
The case has generated significant attention within legal and political communities, given Obono-Obla’s prior role in federal anti-corruption enforcement. Analysts observe that allegations involving professional credentials often attract heightened scrutiny because they touch directly on public trust in institutions.
Under Nigeria’s Criminal Code and related statutes, forgery and the use of forged documents are prosecutable offences, potentially carrying terms of imprisonment upon conviction. However, legal experts emphasize that the presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of the justice system until allegations are tested in court.
The Nigerian legal profession has previously confronted isolated cases involving disputed qualifications, prompting calls for stricter verification mechanisms and enhanced digital record-keeping. Bar associations have periodically reiterated the need for rigorous background checks to safeguard professional standards.
In Cross River State, police officials have indicated that further updates will be provided as investigations progress. The matter is expected to move to court should sufficient evidence be established to sustain prosecution.
For now, the detention of a former senior presidential aide over allegations of forged credentials marks a significant development with potential implications for both legal accountability and institutional credibility. Observers will be watching closely as the investigative and judicial processes unfold.
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