The Managing Director of the Cross River State Water Board Limited, Godwin Nyiam, has initiated legal action against the state’s Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Obono (retd), following an alleged assault incident. Nyiam is seeking N500 million in compensation and a public apology, according to statements made by his legal counsel.

Nyiam’s lawyer, E. E. Osim, disclosed on Sunday that the suit arises from an incident in April at the Fogg Petrol Station in Calabar, where Nyiam was reportedly slapped by Obono in public. The legal team contends that the assault has caused Nyiam significant pain, humiliation, intimidation, harassment, and emotional distress.

The petition, addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 13 Amphibious Brigade Headquarters in Calabar, also alleges that on May 24, 2025, Obono directed uniformed officers under his command to assault and intimidate Nyiam at the Federal Housing Estate’s Fogg Petrol Station.

The lawyers, representing Nyiam, have demanded that the security adviser publicly apologise in two national newspapers and pay the compensation to redress the infringement on their client’s fundamental human rights. The petition, dated April 24, 2025, and signed by E.E. Osim & Co and additional legal representatives from the Lord Advocate firm, warns that failure to comply could lead to further litigation.

The petition also requests the Brigade Commander to investigate and identify the officers allegedly involved in the harassment of the Water Board MD, urging swift action to hold those responsible accountable.

It read, “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.”