Gov. Otu Intervenes, Directs Release Of C’River Businessman Remanded Over Alleged Social Media Bullying

CALABAR – Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has intervened in the case of businessman Denis Odama, directing steps for his release after he was remanded over allegations of bullying the governor on social media.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Otu said he had been fully briefed on the matter, directed the aides who reported Odama to withdraw their complaint and ordered the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to urgently review the case.

The Governor further directed the Attorney General to exercise his constitutional discretion and take necessary steps to discontinue the case, paving the way for Odama’s release and reunion with his family.

The development comes after Odama, a car dealer from Bekwarra Local Government Area, was further remanded by Magistrate Mercy Ene on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, amid the prosecution’s failure to file a formal charge against him.

Odama’s counsel had sought his release on bail when he appeared before the Magistrate at the court’s Moore Road premises in Calabar.

However, the Magistrate declined to entertain the bail application, holding that the prosecution must first file the matter before the court before the application could proceed.

The court consequently ordered Odama to remain at the Afokang Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until Thursday, August 20, pending receipt of the suit from the prosecution.

Odama was reportedly arrested in Lagos by the Nigerian Police and detained for several days before he was brought to Calabar.

The businessman was initially remanded on August 13 for seven days, with the matter adjourned until August 19.

But when the case returned to court, the prosecution had reportedly still not filed a formal charge, preventing the court from proceeding with the bail application.

The allegation against Odama centres on claims that he bullied Governor Otu through social media, although the specific statement allegedly made by him was not contained in the information available.

Explaining his intervention, Otu said the action was guided by his responsibility as Governor and “father and leader” of the state.

“As a father and leader, I have directed the aides involved to withdraw their complaint against Mr. Odama,” the Governor said.

Otu also said he had directed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to urgently review the matter and take the necessary legal steps to discontinue the case.

He said the objective was to ensure that Odama could leave the correctional centre and return to his family without further delay.

The Governor anchored his intervention on the constitutional protection of freedom of expression, citing Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I remain committed to upholding this right for all Cross Riverians, including those who criticise me,” Otu said.

He, however, urged young people to exercise their constitutional freedom responsibly and with consideration for the cultural values and moral standards of the people.

According to him, citizens elected him to listen to positive suggestions, advice and constructive criticism, adding that he would continue to listen and act accordingly.

The intervention has shifted the focus of the matter from Odama’s continued detention to the Governor’s directive for the case to be reviewed and discontinued.

However, the specific offence Odama was to face, the law under which the prosecution intended to proceed and the exact social-media statement that triggered the complaint were not immediately available.

The development also leaves the Attorney General’s subsequent action and the formal status of the case as key issues to watch following the Governor’s directive.