Private Legal Practitioner Martin Kpebu has been released after spending nearly five hours in detention at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on December 3. His detention followed a confrontation during his appearance before investigators probing his corruption allegations against the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng.
Mr. Kpebu was initially detained for allegedly obstructing an officer of the OSP, a claim that his lawyers strongly deny. Before his release, his legal team expressed concern over his whereabouts, as he was briefly held at a National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) facility.
Protest Over Investigative Committee
Sources indicate that Mr. Kpebu challenged the legitimacy of the investigative committee assigned to question him, insisting that a team made up of subordinates of the Special Prosecutor could not impartially investigate allegations against their boss.
“They kept making me appear before subordinates. Subordinates can’t investigate their boss. It’s incompetence,” Mr. Kpebu was quoted as saying.
His protest is said to have escalated tensions during the engagement, contributing to his arrest.
Altercation With Military Officer
Speaking to TV3 after his release, Mr. Kpebu confirmed that an altercation with a military officer stationed at the OSP occurred prior to the detention.
“The military officer said I am stupid, and I also said he is stupid. So we exchanged words,” he recalled.
The confrontation is believed to have further intensified the situation, leading to his temporary confinement.
Kpebu Describes Detention as ‘Needless’
Upon regaining his freedom, Mr. Kpebu maintained that he had done nothing to warrant detention.
“I know I have not done anything wrong, so I will be released,” he told TV3, describing the incident as unnecessary and avoidable.
Growing Concerns Over OSP Procedures
The incident has triggered renewed public discourse on investigative fairness, institutional accountability, and the conduct of security personnel within the OSP. Legal analysts say the development underscores the need for clear procedural safeguards when citizens make allegations against senior public office holders.
More details are expected as both sides clarify the circumstances that led to the heated exchanges and subsequent arrest.
