Slap and Lawsuit: Cross River Security Adviser Faces N500m Claim
Godwin Nyiam, the Managing Director of the Cross River State Water Board Limited, has filed a legal action against the state’s Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Obono (retd.), over an alleged public assault in Calabar.
Nyiam, through his legal counsel E.E. Osim, is demanding ₦500 million in damages and a public apology for what he described as an “unprovoked” slap and intimidation by the retired general at Fogg Petrol Station in the Federal Housing Estate, Calabar, on April 24, 2025.
In a petition addressed to the Brigade Commander, 13 Amphibious Brigade Headquarters, Calabar, Nyiam’s lawyers accused Obono of ordering uniformed men under his command to harass, intimidate, and assault their client.
“This singular act caused our client physical pain, emotional distress, humiliation and public embarrassment,” the petition read.
The petition — dated April 24 and titled TAC/ADM/001/Vol. 1/2024 — was signed by E.E. Osim & Co and two other lawyers from The Advocates Chambers. It demanded that Obono publish an apology in two national newspapers, and warned that failure to comply would result in litigation.
The petition also urged military authorities to identify and hold accountable the officers allegedly involved in the incident, believed to be attached to Obono.
“We write to request your good offices to fish out the said officers involved and ensure proper redress is made,” the lawyers stated.
In a brief response to the allegations, Major General Obono (retd.) denied the accusation when contacted by a correspondent via text message:
“On what grounds will I do that, please?” he replied, rejecting claims that he ordered any assault on Nyiam.
Efforts to get a response from the Army’s Public Relations Officer, Capt. Jimoh Jamila, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.
The matter is drawing public attention in Cross River, as citizens and observers await possible legal proceedings and further clarifications from the state government and military authorities.
