The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) says no individual—regardless of public standing, influence, or media visibility—is above the law. The Office issued this clarification following the arrest and brief detention of private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Mr. Kpebu was detained after he was reportedly charged with obstructing an officer in the execution of his lawful duties, an incident that occurred during his visit to the OSP to respond to an invitation regarding allegations he made against the Special Prosecutor. He was later released after being granted bail.
In a detailed statement posted on Facebook, Sammy Darko, Director of Strategy, Communication, and Research at the OSP, said the incident had been misrepresented in the public domain. He stressed that the Office acted strictly within the confines of the law.
“The message is clear: connections, public influence, or media prominence do not place anyone above the law. If this was intended as a trap, then the OSP passed—because it acted strictly within legal and procedural bounds,” he stated.
Below is a structured summary of the key points from his statement:
A Pattern of Misconduct
According to the OSP, Wednesday’s incident was not the first time Mr. Kpebu had acted improperly towards security personnel.
The Office claims that he has repeatedly misrepresented incidents after the fact, prompting the OSP to begin documenting interactions with him. Mr. Darko referenced a previous false claim in which Kpebu alleged that 16 petitions had been filed for the removal of the Special Prosecutor—an assertion he later admitted on the KSM Show to have repeated without verification.
Inquiry Into Allegations Is Separate
The OSP clarified that the arrest had nothing to do with the ongoing inquiry into the allegations Mr. Kpebu made against the Special Prosecutor.
Investigators reportedly continue their work despite what the OSP described as his refusal to cooperate fully and his insistence on replacing certain officers assigned to the panel. The Office maintains that it is committed to acting professionally.
Misrepresentation of Investigators
Mr. Darko also countered Mr. Kpebu’s public claims that the investigators handling his matter are “junior staff.”
He explained that these officers hold ranks equivalent to Deputy Commissioners of Police, and that Kpebu’s suggestion that “the OSP is investigating itself” shows either a misunderstanding of institutional processes or a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
“Fact-finding committees exist to establish facts—not to determine guilt or innocence,” he said.
What Happened at the OSP Premises
Events at the Gate
Upon arriving, Mr. Kpebu parked and stepped outside the gate to grant interviews to journalists—a practice the OSP says he has repeated each time he visits. Security personnel cautioned him and reminded him of restrictions on photography and videography.
He allegedly reacted angrily, insulted the guards, and insisted he could act however he wished.
Escalation and Arrest
The OSP says his continued insults and obstructive behaviour led to his arrest on suspicion of obstructing the work of officers. He was formally informed of the arrest, and no force was used.
The Office insists there is no record of physical assault or mistreatment of Mr. Kpebu.
Bail, Transfer, and Lawyers’ Conduct
Bail
Mr. Kpebu was granted bail in line with administrative procedures. His lawyers were informed of the conditions.
One of his lawyers, however, allegedly refused to leave the premises and verbally abused officers. The OSP says she was removed professionally and without force.
Transfer to Holding Area
After processing, Mr. Kpebu was transferred to a secured holding area. The OSP says all protocols were followed and at no point was he denied access to legal representation.
No Trap — Just Lawful Procedure
Dismissing claims that the OSP “fell into a trap,” Mr. Darko insisted the Office simply upheld the law and enforced discipline at its premises.
“Such unruly behaviour would result in an immediate arrest at any law-enforcement facility. Could he attempt this at the Police Headquarters or the NIB Headquarters?” he wrote.
Mr. Kpebu is expected to return to the OSP at 11 a.m. today for further investigation regarding the obstruction charge. A new date will be scheduled for the continuation of inquiries into the corruption allegations he previously made.
