Calabar, Nigeria — A fresh storm is brewing in Cross River State following an explosive legal action filed by the Managing Director of the Cross River State Water Board Limited, Godwin Nyiam, against the state’s Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Obono (retd), over an alleged public assault.
Nyiam is demanding a whopping ₦500 million in damages, citing physical humiliation and emotional trauma after he was reportedly slapped in public by the top security official.
The dramatic confrontation is said to have unfolded in broad daylight at Fogg Petrol Station, located within Federal Housing Estate, Calabar, on May 24, 2025. According to a legal petition filed by his counsel, E.E. Osim, and two other lawyers from The Advocates Chambers, the incident was not only a violation of Nyiam’s dignity but also a gross infringement on his fundamental human rights.
“He Was Slapped, Intimidated, and Harassed”
In the petition with reference number TAC/ADM/001/Vol. 1/2024, dated April 24, 2025, Nyiam’s legal team did not mince words. They accused General Obono of ordering uniformed personnel under his command to assault, harass, and intimidate the Water Board MD, following a slap that was described as both demoralising and deeply humiliating.
“The singular act of public assault has caused our client severe pain, intimidation, harassment and emotional distress,” the petition read, stressing that the slap was not just physical — it was a symbolic humiliation.
The legal team is demanding:
- A ₦500 million compensation
- A written apology from General Obono
- Publication of said apology in two national dailies
- Identification and disciplinary action against the uniformed men involved in the attack
Petition to the Nigerian Army
The petition was also addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 13 Amphibious Brigade Headquarters, Calabar, urging the Army to probe the involvement of its personnel in what is described as a civilian abuse of power.
“We urge you to fish out those officers and offer our client due apology,” the lawyers demanded, hinting at further litigation if their demands are not met.
Obono Denies All Allegations
In a brief but defiant text message, General Obono dismissed the accusations as unfounded. Responding to enquiries by a journalist, he queried:
“On what grounds will I do that, please?”
No formal statement has yet been issued from his office.
Army Remains Silent
Efforts to reach Capt. Jimoh Jamila, the Army Public Relations Officer for the region, proved futile. Calls and text messages sent to her mobile line were left unanswered as of the time of filing this report.
What Next?
This unfolding drama raises critical questions about the abuse of power, civil-military relations, and accountability among top state officials. With Cross River State already grappling with image issues over governance and public trust, this case may well set a precedent if taken to full legal conclusion.
For now, the ball is in the court of both the Army and the judiciary — and Nigerians are watching.
