In a sudden shift of policy following growing public backlash, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, ordered the immediate withdrawal of criminal complaints against businessman and online commentator Denis Odama on Wednesday night, August 19, 2026.
​The order was announced in an official statement released on the Governor’s Verified Facebook Page at approximately 10:29 PM. The governor directed the Cross River State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to exercise constitutional powers to discontinue all legal proceedings, enabling Odama’s swift release from custody.
​Odama was originally tracked down and arrested by police officers in Lagos on August 9, 2026, after key gubernatorial aides, including Akiba Ekpenyong and Pius Ankpo, filed formal complaints alleging online defamation and cyberbullying.
Following his arrest, he was held at the FESTAC Police Division before being transferred by detectives from the Zone 6 Police Command to Calabar. On August 13, 2026, Chief Magistrate Mercy Ene remanded Odama at the Afokang Correctional Centre following a 3:00 PM court hearing.
​Highlighting the reasons behind his decision, Governor Otu cited Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: Otu emphasized his commitment to safeguarding citizens’ constitutional right to free expression, stating that his administration remains open to criticism.
While pardoning the critic, the governor cautioned youth against abusing digital freedoms, urging commentators to respect societal moral standards and cultural values.
The intervention followed rising outrage from civil rights advocates, including activist Agba Jalingo, who publicly demanded Odama’s release and condemned the use of law enforcement to suppress political dissent.
​The State Ministry of Information has confirmed that processing for Odama’s release is underway at the Afokang Correctional Centre, allowing him to rejoin his family.
