The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has defended its decision to arrest private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, insisting that the action was lawful, justified and provoked by what it describes as the lawyer’s “unruly and obstructive conduct” toward security officers stationed at the institution’s premises.
In a detailed statement issued by the OSP’s Director of Strategy, Research and Communication, Samuel Appiah Darko on December 4, 2025, the Office dismissed claims that the arrest was an act of retaliation or part of an ongoing inquiry into allegations previously made by Kpebu against the Special Prosecutor.
According to the OSP, the confrontation that led to the arrest was not an isolated incident.
Darko stated that the lawyer had on multiple occasions behaved improperly toward OSP security personnel, only to later “publicly present a completely different version of events.”
He cited past instances, including what he called Kpebu’s false claim about 16 petitions seeking the removal of the Special Prosecutor, an allegation the lawyer later retracted during an interview with broadcaster KSM.
“It became clear that unless his interactions were recorded, he would misrepresent the facts,” Darko said.
Martin Kpebu recounts reason for his detention by OSP
Darko accused the lawyer of refusing to cooperate with investigators and introducing “one obstacle after another” despite knowing that there is currently no OSP Board to receive the supposed evidence he claims to be compiling.
He rejected claims that junior officers were investigating the matter, pointing out that the investigators are of ranks equivalent to Deputy Commissioners of Police.
The Office provided a chronology of the events at its Cantonments headquarters, “Upon arriving, Mr. Kpebu parked his vehicle and stepped outside the gate to conduct an interview. He always does this, brings in media men to speak to them before entering and after exiting.
“Security personnel cautioned him to move away from the entrance, so he moved to the fried yam seller’s spot and continued speaking to the media. Afterwards, he entered the compound alone. The guards reminded him that photography and videography are not permitted around the premises.
“He reacted angrily to the reminder and insulted the guards. They issued a formal warning about his conduct, but he insisted he could act as he pleased and threatened to report them.
“He told them they are nobodies, even their boss, head of the agency is no body and will be removed soon. His continued insults and obstructive behaviour led to his arrest for the offence of obstruction of officers in the performance of their duties.
“He was informed of his arrest on suspicion of obstruction, in accordance with the law. The arrest was executed without force, and there is no internal record of any assault or mistreatment.”
The OSP says the guards issued a formal caution, but Kpebu persisted, leading to his arrest on suspicion of obstructing officers in the performance of their lawful duties.
The arrest, the Office insists, was carried out “without force,” with no recorded assault or mistreatment.
Kpebu was granted bail later in the evening, following standard administrative procedures. However, the OSP says one of his lawyers caused a disturbance by refusing to leave the premises until her client was presented before her, allegedly insulting officers in the process.
“Following the arrest, bail was granted according to standard administrative procedures. The conditions were explained to him and his counsel. However, one of the lawyers refused to leave the premises until Mr. Kpebu was brought back.
“She insulted officers and caused a scene, all of which was recorded. Despite her behaviour, officers removed her gently and without force. Their professionalism deserves commendation.”
Kpebu is expected to report to the OSP again at 11 a.m. today to assist with further investigations into the obstruction charge.
