The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has defended its decision to arrest and detain private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, insisting that the action was lawful, procedural, and necessary to maintain order at the institution.
Mr. Kpebu was detained on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, after he was charged with obstructing an officer in the execution of his duties. His arrest followed an invitation to the OSP to address allegations he recently made against the Special Prosecutor. He was later released on bail.
According to Sammy Darko, Director of Strategy, Communication, and Research at the OSP, the Office acted strictly within its legal mandate.
“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,” Mr. Darko said in a statement posted on Facebook.
He also confirmed that Mr. Kpebu is expected to report back to the OSP at 11AM today for further investigations into the obstruction charge. A separate date will be set for inquiries into his corruption allegations against the Special Prosecutor.
A Pattern of Misconduct — OSP Details Prior Incidents
The OSP revealed that this is not the first time Mr. Kpebu has acted improperly toward its security personnel. The Office claims he often misrepresents events to the media, prompting the decision to record interactions with him moving forward.
One example cited was his claim that 16 petitions had been filed to remove the Special Prosecutor — a statement he later admitted on TV to have repeated without verification.
Confrontation Unrelated to Allegations Against the SP
The OSP clarified that Wednesday’s confrontation was not connected to the ongoing inquiry into the allegations Mr. Kpebu made against the Special Prosecutor.
Investigators are reportedly continuing their work despite what the OSP describes as Mr. Kpebu’s pattern of refusing to cooperate, challenging officers assigned to his case, and introducing delays.
OSP Refutes Claims About Investigators
Mr. Darko rejected public claims by Mr. Kpebu that the investigators handling his case are “junior staff.”
He noted that the officers hold ranks equivalent to Deputy Commissioners of Police and emphasized that fact-finding committees are not designed to determine guilt but to establish facts, similar to investigative processes in other institutions.
What Happened at the OSP Premises
Interview at the Gate
Upon arrival, Mr. Kpebu reportedly parked outside the OSP gate to speak to the media—something the Office says he does regularly. He was cautioned to move away from the entrance and later reminded that photography and videography are not allowed on the premises.
Escalation and Arrest
According to the OSP, he reacted angrily, insulted the guards, and insisted he could behave however he pleased. His continued abusive conduct led to his arrest on suspicion of obstruction.
The Office says no force was used, and there is no record of assault or mistreatment.
Bail Process and Conduct of Counsel
The OSP stated that bail procedures were followed strictly. However, one of Mr. Kpebu’s lawyers allegedly caused a scene, insulted officers, and refused to leave until her client was returned. Officers reportedly handled the situation professionally and without force.
Mr. Kpebu was later transferred to a secure holding area as part of normal processing. The OSP insists all protocols were followed and he was not denied access to a lawyer.
No “Trap” — OSP Says It Enforced Order
Dismissing claims that the Office walked into a trap, Mr. Darko said the OSP simply upheld the law.
“Such unruly behaviour would result in an immediate arrest at any law-enforcement facility. Could he attempt this at the Police Headquarters or at the NIB headquarters?” he asked.
He reiterated that the OSP will not be intimidated by public commentary or perceived influence.
