Lawmaker confirms filing petition that led to Obono-Obla’s arrest
By Khubayb Adefaka
A member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Cyril James Omini, has confirmed that he submitted the petition which led to the arrest of former presidential aide, Okoi Obono-Obla.
Omini, who represents Yakurr 1 State Constituency, disclosed this in a statement posted on his verified social media pages, where he addressed public reactions and what he described as misinformation surrounding the arrest.
According to the lawmaker, his petition to the Nigeria Police Force was prompted by what he termed persistent and damaging allegations made against him by Obono-Obla.
He alleged that on August 7, 2025, Obono-Obla and others led police officers to his residence in Ugep at about 3 a.m. for what he described as a forced entry and search. The officers allegedly accused him of harbouring cultists and kidnappers. Omini said the incident resulted in the arrest and detention of his security guard, Ebri Edet Ubi, also known as Edet Omenka, who was taken to Calabar. He further claimed that property was destroyed during the operation.
The lawmaker also alleged that on October 6, 2025, Obono-Obla publicly accused him of sponsoring cult-related activities and linked him to the death of an individual.
Describing the accusations as grave and defamatory, Omini said they went beyond political criticism and amounted to malicious criminal allegations capable of damaging his integrity and reputation.
He stated that although he initially refrained from reporting the matter out of respect for Obono-Obla, whom he described as a mentor and father figure, he later decided to petition the police after the allegations persisted and spread within the community and across social media platforms.
“I did not seek an arrest. I sought the truth,” Omini stated, adding that the arrest of Obono-Obla followed standard police procedures after the submission of his formal complaint.
He clarified that his petition was centred on alleged defamation of character and malicious fabrication of criminal allegations, dismissing claims in some sections of the media that the matter was solely about certificate forgery or obtaining legal entry by false pretences.
Omini maintained that he is prepared to face any investigation and urged the public to allow due process to take its course. He reiterated his innocence and appealed to his constituents to remain fair-minded amid what he described as widespread rumours and twisted narratives.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to his legislative duties and to the development of Yakurr 1 State Constituency, expressing hope that the truth would ultimately prevail.
