The Managing Director of Cross River State Water Board Limited, Dr. Godwin Nyiam, has filed a lawsuit against Major General Okoi Obono (rtd), the senior security adviser to Governor Bassey Otu, seeking N500 million in damages for an alleged assault that occurred two weeks ago in Calabar.
According to court documents, Nyiam claims the retired army general publicly slapped him, causing humiliation and emotional distress. The incident reportedly took place on May 24, 2025, at the Federal Housing Estate in Calabar.
When contacted about the allegations, General Obono denied any wrongdoing, responding via text message: "On what grounds will I do that please?"
Legal Demands and Allegations
Through his lawyer, E.E. Osim, Nyiam has also petitioned the Brigade Commander of 13 Amphibious Brigade Headquarters in Calabar. The petition demands not only monetary compensation but also a formal apology to be published in two national dailies for what they describe as an infringement on Nyiam's fundamental human rights.
"My client is presently suffering severe pains as a result of the beating General Obono's men meted out to him," the lawyer stated in the petition. "He was intimidated, harassed and is going through emotional distress because of the way he was publicly humiliated."
The legal representative further claimed that Nyiam has become "demoralized, and is feeling ashamed of himself having been publicly manhandled in front of his own staff and onlookers."
Additional Allegations
The petition also alleges that General Obono ordered his operatives to "intimidate and harass" Nyiam at the Federal Housing Estate. Nyiam's legal team has requested the brigade commander to identify the soldiers who allegedly manhandled their client on General Obono's orders.
"We heretofore write to you to use your good offices to fish out those attached to the said General under reference on the aforementioned date to ill treat our client and offer due apology in two national dailies for compensation," the petition stated.
According to Nyiam's lawyer, the lawsuit aims to "put an end to unruly behaviour by other top security personnel" in the state.
The case has drawn significant attention in Cross River State, particularly given the high-profile positions of both individuals involved.
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