{
  "id": 2086520,
  "title": "Cross River gov orders aides to withdraw case against critic",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/cross-river-gov-orders-aides-to-withdraw-case-against-critic-2086520",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-20T06:40:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/cross-river-gov-orders-aides-to-withdraw-case-against-critic/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cross River Governor Bassey Otu has ordered aides involved in reporting social commentator Denis Odama to the police to withdraw their complaint against him. Otu instructed the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to promptly review the case and discontinue the prosecution, allowing Odama to be released from prison and reunited with his family. The governor made this announcement on his verified Facebook page, citing his adherence to Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which protects freedom of expression. In his statement, Otu emphasized his commitment to upholding this right for all Cross Riverians, including those who criticize his administration. He urged young people to exercise this constitutional freedom responsibly while respecting the state's cultural values and moral standards.",
  "summary": "Cross River Governor Bassey Otu directs aides to withdraw a police complaint against social critic Denis Odama, ensuring his release and upholding free spe Read More: https://punchng.com/cross-river-gov-orders-aides-to-withdraw-case-against-critic/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Cross River gov orders aides to withdraw case against critic",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/cross-river-gov-orders-aides-to-withdraw-case-against-critic",
        "published": "2026-08-20T06:34:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}