The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has defended the arrest of private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu on Wednesda.
According to Office, the action had nothing to do with the corruption allegations he has made against Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng.
Sammy Darko, Director of Strategy, Communication, and Research at the OSP, has explained that the arrest resulted from a pattern of misconduct”toward security personnel, not from the ongoing probe involving Mr. Kpebu’s public allegations.
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Officials maintain that the confrontation occurred when the lawyer arrived at the OSP compound and allegedly defied security instructions.
The arrest
Sources at the OSP say Mr. Kpebu parked at the entrance to speak to journalists despite repeated reminders that the zone must remain clear. After being cautioned, he moved to a nearby food vendor’s stand to continue his media engagement.
When he proceeded into the OSP compound, security officers reminded him that photographing or filming within the premises was prohibited. According to officials, this triggered an outburst.
Security officers reported that Mr. Kpebu insulted them, called them nobodies, and claimed even their superior would soon be removed.
The OSP said he was formally warned but continued to obstruct security personnel, prompting his arrest for interfering with officers lawfully performing their duties.
Officials emphasized that there was no physical struggle. “He was not assaulted. The arrest was peaceful, and all protocols were followed,” an OSP official stated.
Bail
Mr. Kpebu was later granted bail under what the OSP described as standard administrative terms. The office says all procedures were explained clearly to him and his legal team.
However, tensions escalated again when one of his lawyers allegedly refused to leave the premises until Mr. Kpebu was returned, reportedly insulting officers and causing a disturbance.
According to officials: “She was escorted out, but no force was used. These are standard protocols.”
The OSP added that Mr. Kpebu was transferred to a secure holding bay as part of routine processing and that he was never denied access to counsel.
The office rejected claims circulating online that the arrest was part of a political or strategic ploy.
“Connections, public influence, or media prominence do not place anyone above the law. The same behaviour at the Police Headquarters or the NIB would have resulted in immediate arrest,” the official said.