Lawyer Condemns Arrest Of Cross River Commentator Denis Odama Over Online Criticism Of Governor Otu | Sahara Reporters
The lawyer made the demand in a statement issued on Friday, describing Odama as one of the most vocal commentators on governance in Cross River State, and saying that public officials must learn to tolerate criticism.
An Abuja-based lawyer and Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF), Barrister Etaba Agbor, has called for the immediate release of Cross River-based commentator and car dealer, Denis Odama, who was reportedly arrested in Lagos over allegations that he bullied Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, on social media.
The lawyer made the demand in a statement issued on Friday, describing Odama as one of the most vocal commentators on governance in Cross River State, and saying that public officials must learn to tolerate criticism.
Agbor described Odama’s arrest and continued detention as disturbing, warning that criticism of public officials must not become a basis for intimidation or the abuse of state security agencies.
Odama was reportedly arrested by Nigeria Police Force personnel in Lagos on Sunday, August 9, with the police reportedly claiming that he had bullied Governor Otu on social media.
Odama, a native of Bekwarra Local Government Area of Northern Cross River State, is said to be a businessman and car dealer currently pursuing a doctoral degree at a university in Lagos.
He is also said to be known for his satirical criticism of governance and public affairs in Cross River State.
The development was brought to public attention on Tuesday by Odama’s kinsman and fellow businessman, Tom Alims, who said the Divisional Police Officer of the FESTAC Division in Lagos said that Odama was arrested over alleged social media bullying of Governor Otu.
The reported arrest followed a social media post by Odama criticising the state government’s handling of electricity restoration in his community.
Last weekend, Odama reportedly shared a screenshot of a post he had written in August 2024 in which he recalled that Governor Otu had ordered the restoration of public electricity in Bekwarra but criticised the failure to deliver on the promise.
“Two years after Governor Bassey Otu ordered the restoration of electricity in Bekwarra, Bekwarra still wallows in darkness with no electricity in sight. All we hear are blames and counter-blames from those given money to fix light,” Odama wrote.
“Governor just dashed his friends in Bekwarra money to share in the name of awarding contracts; otherwise he will hold them accountable.”
However, Alims noted that Governor Otu might not have been aware of Odama’s arrest, raising questions over whether an aide or another official could have used the governor’s name to facilitate the police action.
“Two policemen have just showed up at Divisional Police Headquarters FESTAC Town, Lagos, under Area E FESTAC Town, Lagos, claiming to be from Cross River State and are sent to take Denis back to Calabar, Cross River State,” Alims wrote on Facebook on Tuesday afternoon.
“The DPO of the Station has informed those on the ground that Denis Odama is being arrested for ‘bullying the Governor of Cross River State, HE, Prince Bassey Edet Otu on social media’.
“This is sincerely laughable, and we’ll be waiting and watching as events unfold. From different quarters, we’re told His Excellency is not aware of this arrest.
“Let this be true and let’s hope he’ll immediately order his release. Some things are unnecessary, and this is one.”
Odama was reportedly due to sit an examination on Tuesday but missed it because of his arrest.
In another Facebook post, Alim wrote, “Don’t you think it is only cowards who’ll send Police to arrest a person and over 24 hours later, they are yet to show up at the Station?
“Worst still (sic), the Police are refusing to reveal the identity of those behind the arrest and why. When will men of the Nigeria Police Force stop being ‘tools’ for some unscrupulous elements in our society?”
On Thursday, Alim, in another Facebook post, said, “Denis Odama is been (sic) flown on ValueJet airline leaving Lagos at 8 am to Calabar. Our eyes must be on the Police. Nothing should happen to Denis.”
He added in a separate post, “Denis Odama has been remanded at the Correctional Center, Afokang, by the Magistrate at Magistrate Court 1, Moor Road, Calabar. His Lawyers will take it up from here.”
On Friday, Alim wrote on Facebook, “If you don’t want to be criticized as a Public Servant, paid by taxpayers, don’t run for election. Turn down your appointments and stay in your private biz or home. QED “
Jonathan Ugbal, Deputy National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement (TIB), described Odama’s arrest as an “abduction” and demanded his immediate release.
“This is clearly an abduction and nothing more! There is no actual reason stated yet by the Police, and it has been 48 hours,” Ugbal said.
“I won’t be surprised if they are shopping for an order from the Courts, which are on vacation anyway, to detain him as a punishment! It is a cycle we have seen being repeated.
“It is unfortunate that despite the law clearly stating that investigation must precede arrests, we still find the Police being used as a tool for oppressive acts. We demand his immediate release.”
Reacting to the development, Barrister Agbor said Odama’s criticism of government, regardless of how controversial or unpopular it may be, cannot justify his arrest and continued detention.
“Dennis Odama has, over time, been one of the most vocal commentators on the state of affairs in Cross River State,” Agbor stated.
“Whether one agrees with his views or not, he has consistently exercised his right to comment on issues affecting our dear State.
“His criticisms may have ruffled a few feathers within the corridors of power, but that can never justify his unnecessary arrest and continued detention through the instrumentality of the Nigeria Police Force.”
Agbor reminded public office holders that democracy depends on accountability and public scrutiny, stressing that criticism is an indispensable component of responsible governance.
He said that where a public official believes they have been defamed, the appropriate remedy is to seek redress through the courts rather than deploy the coercive powers of the state against a critic.
The lawyer further observed that even if the allegations against Odama relate to cyberbullying under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, the alleged offence remains bailable and should not warrant prolonged detention.
He stressed that the Nigeria Police Force has constitutional and statutory obligations to respect the fundamental rights of suspects and must not turn detention into punishment before trial.
“Criminal investigations must always be conducted within the bounds of the law and with full respect for the rights and dignity of every citizen,” he said.
“Where an allegation is bailable, the police should not use detention as a form of punishment before trial.”
Agbor called for Odama’s immediate release on bail and urged the Cross River State Government and the police to allow due process to take its course if there is indeed a case to answer.
He maintained that the strength of constitutional democracy is demonstrated by the protection of the rights of citizens, including those who criticise those in authority.
“Respect for the rule of law is demonstrated not when we protect the rights of those with whom we agree, but when we equally protect the rights of those who criticise those in authority,” he added.
Agbor stressed that governments earn public confidence not by silencing dissent but by responding to criticism through accountability, transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
He, therefore, called on the relevant authorities to ensure that Odama is released without further delay, insisting that criticism of government must not be treated as a criminal offence.