Following the arrest and detention of private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on December 3, 2025, senior vice-president of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has delivered a blunt critique of the OSP’s actions, insisting the office has no lawful basis to arrest Kpebu.
Kpebu was reportedly invited to the OSP headquarters, led by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, to assist with investigations related to allegations he had made. During that engagement, he was arrested for allegedly obstructing an officer in the execution of official duties.
Bentil, who is also part of Kpebu’s legal team, dismissed the OSP’s justification. According to him, Kpebu’s public statements alleging corruption fall squarely within his constitutional rights, and any person or institution offended by such statements has a lawful remedy: civil action for defamation, not arrest.
He argued that public officials must be prepared to tolerate scrutiny and criticism from citizens, noting that no officeholder—including President John Dramani Mahama—is insulated from public commentary. Bentil added that even harsh or offensive remarks do not constitute a criminal offence.
“This is the essence of a liberal constitutional democracy,” he emphasised. “If someone feels aggrieved, they can go to court. That is the proper forum.”
Bentil further maintained that if Kpebu makes corruption allegations against the OSP, the appropriate procedure is to petition the President, not to detain the accuser. He reiterated that the OSP has “zero jurisdiction” to arrest Kpebu over such claims.
He also questioned the legal basis for the arrest, pointing out that Kpebu had not been formally charged with any offence.
Bentil described the situation as an overreach that undermines the principles of justice and accountability.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku