NBA Raises Alarm Over Obono-Obla’s Arrest, Moves to Defend Due Process

 

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concern over the arrest and detention of former presidential aide and lawyer, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, pledging to intervene to ensure that due process is strictly followed.

Obono-Obla, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, was reportedly taken from his residence in Ijiman community, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, in the early hours of Thursday by unidentified men.

Residents and relatives in the community, where the legal practitioner is also a traditional ruler, said the operatives arrived without prior notice and whisked him away to an undisclosed location. Witnesses could not immediately confirm whether the men were kidnappers or officials of a recognised security agency.

The incident has sparked tension in the area, particularly among youths in nearby Ugep, who have demanded clarification regarding his whereabouts and the reasons for his arrest. The uncertainty surrounding the operation has fueled speculation and anxiety within the community.

Chairman of the NBA, Calabar Branch, Enome J. Amatey, Esq., said the association was aware of the development but had yet to receive official communication on the identity of the agency responsible for the arrest.

“We have heard about his arrest. Unfortunately, we do not know which agency carried it out. The circumstances remain hazy and quite concerning,” Amatey said.

He stressed that the association would ensure Obono-Obla’s constitutional rights are protected, including access to legal representation and a fair opportunity to defend himself.

According to him, the NBA would not hesitate to activate its Human Rights Committee if necessary to safeguard due process and prevent unlawful detention beyond the period permitted by law.

“We will ascertain which agency arrested him and, if need be, our Human Rights Committee will wade into the matter,” he added.

Meanwhile, conflicting accounts have trailed the arrest. A social media user alleged that security operatives led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police carried out the operation. However, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Eitiokpa Sunday Akata, denied knowledge of any such operation.

The development has drawn reactions from legal practitioners, community leaders and residents, all calling on security authorities to provide transparency and official clarification on the circumstances surrounding the arrest.