The lawmaker representing Yakurr I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Cyril Omini, has confirmed that the recent arrest of former presidential aide, Okoi Obono-Obla, followed a petition he submitted to the Nigeria Police over alleged defamation and malicious accusations.
The Cross River State Police Command had earlier confirmed the arrest of Obono-Obla.
In a statement made available to journalists in Calabar, Omini said his petition stemmed from what he described as deliberate attempts to defame his character and fabricate criminal allegations against him, including claims linking him to cultism and murder.
He alleged that on August 7, 2025, Obono-Obla and others led police officers to his residence in Ugep at about 3 a.m., purportedly to search for cultists and kidnappers. The operation resulted in the arrest of his security guard, Mr. Ebri Edet Ubi, also known as Edet Omenka, and damage to some of his property.
Omini further stated that on October 6, 2025, Obono-Obla publicly accused him of sponsoring cult-related activities and linked him to a death, describing these claims as “grave allegations that severely tarnished his reputation.”
The lawmaker clarified that while public criticism is acceptable, there is a clear distinction between political disagreement and what he considered deliberate fabrication of criminal claims.
Omini said he initially refrained from reporting the matter out of respect for Obono-Obla, whom he called a mentor and father figure, but said continued circulation of the allegations on social media and within communities compelled him to seek legal redress.
He emphasized that he did not order or influence Obono-Obla’s arrest and that the police action was conducted in line with due process. He also dismissed reports linking the matter to certificate forgery or illegal entry, stressing that the petition was solely about defamation and malicious criminal fabrication.
Reaffirming his readiness to cooperate with any investigation, Omini urged residents of Yakurr I Constituency to disregard rumours and remain confident that due process will establish the truth. He pledged to stay focused on his legislative duties while the police probe continues.
