Cross River Governor Bassey Otu orders release of detained critic

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has ordered the immediate release of Denis Odama, a businessman and social media critic who had been detained for approximately one week. Odama was arrested in Lagos following allegations that he made derogatory comments about the governor online. After being transferred to Calabar, he was remanded at the Afokang Correctional Center.

Governor Otu stated that he personally directed his aides, who had filed the initial complaint, to withdraw the charges. He also instructed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to review the matter and take steps to discontinue the case.

In a statement, the governor cited Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression. Otu emphasized his commitment to upholding this right for all citizens, including critics, while urging young people to exercise their freedom responsibly.