By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Member representing Yakurr I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Cyril James Omini, has publicly addressed the arrest of Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, stating that the development followed a petition he submitted to the Nigeria Police Force over alleged defamation and malicious accusations.
In a statement dated 20 February 2026, Omini said he was compelled to speak amid what he described as widespread misinformation surrounding the circumstances of the arrest. He stressed that his petition was aimed at seeking an investigation into allegations levelled against him, not to secure the arrest of Obono-Obla.
Chief Obono-Obla, a former presidential aide, was taken into custody following the complaint.
Omini who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, disclosed that on 7 August 2025, Obono-Obla and others allegedly led police officers to his residence in Ugep at about 3 a.m., accusing him of harbouring cultists and kidnappers. He claimed the operation led to the arrest and detention of his security guard, Mr Ebri Edet Ubi, also known as Edet Omenka, who was subsequently taken to Calabar. He further alleged that properties within his residence were damaged during the incident.
The lawmaker also referenced another incident on 6 October 2025, when he said Obono-Obla publicly accused him of sponsoring cult-related activities and linked him to the death of an individual.
“These are not mere insults or expressions of political discontent. They are grave criminal accusations that strike at the core of my character, my integrity, and my humanity,” Omini said.
He stated that although he initially refrained from reporting the matter to the police in the hope of a retraction, the allegations persisted and spread across communities and social media platforms.
“It became evident that silence would be interpreted as admission, and that my name—the only name my children will inherit—was being buried under the weight of falsehood,” he said.
Omini maintained that he exercised his constitutional right as a citizen by petitioning the police to investigate the claims, insisting that he neither sought nor influenced the arrest.
“The arrest of Chief Okoi Obono-Obla was not my doing. It was the outcome of standard police procedure following a formal complaint. I have neither the power nor the desire to dictate the operations of our law enforcement agencies,” he stated.
He clarified that his petition was not limited to allegations of certificate forgery or obtaining legal entry under false pretences, as reportedly portrayed in parts of the media, but centred primarily on defamation of character and the alleged fabrication of criminal claims against him.
Declaring his readiness to face investigation, Omini said, “If I am guilty of the crimes he accused me of, let the law take its course. But if I am innocent—and I am—then I ask only that the truth be allowed to prevail.”
Addressing his constituents, he urged residents of Yakurr I to remain fair-minded amid circulating rumours.
“Would a man who took a life willingly submit himself to police investigation? Would a cult sponsor call for transparency? Would a guilty person invite scrutiny?” he asked.
He reaffirmed his commitment to his legislative duties and the development of Yakurr I State Constituency, expressing appreciation to his family, colleagues and supporters.
“I still wish Chief Okoi Obono-Obla well. But I cannot and will not allow false accusations of murder to define my existence,” he added.
Converseer reports that Chief Obono-Obla was arrested by the police on 19 February 2026 at Abuja Park in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.
Confirming the arrest, the Cross River State Police Command via a statement issued by its spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said, “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.”
