Cyberbullying Allegation: Governor Bassey Otu Orders Release of Critic Denis Odama

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has ordered the immediate withdrawal of a criminal complaint against social media commentator Denis Odama.

The decision follows public outrage over Odama’s recent arrest in Lagos and subsequent transfer to Calabar over an alleged defamatory Facebook comment.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the digital rights controversy, the government’s official stance, and the Governor’s ultimate intervention.

The Arrest: From Lagos to Calabar Remand

The controversy began when Denis Odama posted a comment under an official Facebook publication by Governor Bassey Otu. The comment, which questioned the Governor’s character, prompted an immediate legal petition from a group of the Governor’s aides.

Following the petition, police tracking led to Odama’s arrest at the FESTAC Police Division in Lagos State. Officers from the Anti-Vice Unit of Zone Six Command, Calabar, subsequently transferred Odama to Cross River State.

According to the Zone Six Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jefferson Osupe, the zone acted strictly on a formal petition. Upon arrival in Calabar, Odama was arraigned in court and remanded in a correctional facility for seven days.

State Government Denies Involvement

Before the Governor’s direct intervention, the Cross River State Government distanced itself from the arrest. Briefing journalists in Calabar, the State Commissioner for Information, Ekpeyong Cobham, clarified that the state did not order the detention. While Cobham condemned Odama’s remarks as disrespectful and unacceptable, he maintained that the aides acted independently.

Governor Otu Intervenes, Cites Freedom of Expression

In a swift turn of events, Governor Bassey Otu issued a statement via his verified Facebook page ordering the immediate discontinuation of the case. The Governor confirmed he had been fully briefed on the situation. Acting “as a father and leader,” Otu directed his aides to withdraw the complaint and instructed the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to legally terminate the court case.

Governor Otu defended his decision by citing Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees freedom of expression. He emphasized that this right extends to critics of his administration.